Munich | Drone shows have become one of the most captivating trends in the digital signage industry. The sight of hundreds or even thousands of drones forming patterns and animations in the night sky is reminiscent of pixels on a giant aerial canvas. Compared to traditional fireworks, drone shows are far more sustainable, leaving no debris behind and producing minimal noise.
Drones as the New Screens: Storytelling in the Sky
On St. Nicholas Day, German drone show specialist Showmatrix, based in Elz, staged an impressive performance above Munich’s rooftops for Lufthansa and Radio Gong. The show transformed the winter sky into a storytelling platform, creating luminous narratives.
With more than 1,000 professional drones now standard for large-scale events, these aerial displays offer unmatched reach and impact—especially during the darker months when outdoor visuals shine brightest. For brands seeking more visibility than traditional Digital-out-of-Home and at lower costs than projection mapping, drone shows are becoming the go-to solution.
Sustainability is a key driver behind this trend. Unlike fireworks, drones do not contribute to fine dust pollution, operate almost silently, and leave no waste on the ground. This makes them an attractive option for environmentally conscious brands and organizers. The technology behind these shows is also evolving rapidly.
ProAV rental companies such as Lang AG now offer turnkey drone show platforms housed in trucks, complete with drones, control systems, and batteries. The latest generation of show drones can autonomously return to base and recharge themselves, reducing logistical complexity and enabling more frequent deployments.
The centerpiece is the tray, which serves as a charging, launching, and transport unit all in one. Manual handling and battery changes are completely eliminated, and the integrated charging solution makes large formations possible with a small team. The drones launch directly from the trays, return automatically, and are ready for use again in minutes.
