Aerial Illuminations is a specialist in drone-based light shows, designing large-scale aerial displays for a variety of events, from public celebrations to private gatherings and brand campaigns. The company focuses on bespoke storytelling, combining technical precision with creative design to produce visually engaging experiences that capture attention and leave a lasting impression.
Each project is developed in close collaboration with clients, ensuring that the final production aligns with the desired theme, message, and atmosphere. Initial consultations help define the creative and logistical parameters of a show, allowing the team to tailor displays to the unique needs of each event.
Aerial Illuminations works across multiple sectors, including theme parks, city festivals, corporate activations, and cultural events, adapting its approach to suit the scale and context of each project.
The company’s shows use fleets of high-performance drones equipped with powerful LED lighting, capable of executing complex formations and animations with precision. Productions can range from small, intimate displays to expansive spectacles featuring over a thousand drones, offering flexible solutions for different event scales.
Safety is central to all operations, with drones operating within geofenced zones and equipped with redundant communication systems. Comprehensive pre-show testing and adherence to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations ensure that each performance meets the rigorous safety standards set by the FAA.
We speak to Niro Senanayake, president of Aerial Illuminations, about the firm’s unique combination of technical capability, creativity, and operational safety, and how drone light shows are a growing medium for immersive visual storytelling across entertainment, cultural, and commercial contexts.
Two decades of experience
Aerial Illuminations began in early 2024, bringing over 20 years of experience in the sound and light production industry and live entertainment.
“Moving into this field just made sense with how fast it was growing,” says Senanayake. “We began with smaller events like weddings and high school shows, then expanded into larger city engagements and attractions.”
Aerial Illuminations creates shows for various themes and purposes, designing performances for public events, festivals, theme parks, and attractions.
Corporate clients receive branded activations that generate buzz, while private celebrations, such as weddings, are enhanced with personalised drone light shows. In the realm of theme parks and attractions, the company can enhance seasonal celebrations and evening entertainment with dynamic aerial displays.
It’s a tight-knit team, he adds: “Our team is small, with about ten people on the creative side, though we have more crew members at shows. It really feels like a family, and it’s a lot of fun working together.”
The company has just relocated to Orlando, Florida.
“Orlando is really a global entertainment hub, and being here allows us to understand the pulse of the attractions industry better and respond quickly to its evolving needs, whether that’s prototyping for a theme park concept or customising a show.”
“Being local also makes it much easier to meet clients in person more frequently. For us, it feels like the perfect move and a launchpad for future immersive aerial entertainment year-round. Back in Minnesota, we could only do this successfully about five months out of the year with a large audience, but in Orlando, we have the opportunity to do it all year.”
Tailored drone shows from Aerial Illuminations
Given the range of different clients that Aerial Illuminations works with, how does the team approach tailoring the creative and technical needs for these various types of events?
“Tailoring shows starts with deeply understanding the audience and the story they want to tell,” says Senanayake. “It could be a city celebration or a music festival, we ask who it’s for and what they want to feel when they look up at the sky.”
That emotional goal drives both the creative concept and the technical execution.
“Our director of design is amazing, bringing artistry to every concept. On the creative side, we work closely with clients to develop visuals, narratives, and everything that creates engagement for different audiences.”
For example, a Fourth of July show might focus on patriotic imagery, while a festival show emphasises high-energy animations.
“On the technical side, we adapt everything from flight formations and drone counts to launch sites, logistics, and airspace requirements. All of this comes together to create the final experience.”
Discussing some of his favourite drone shows that Aerial Illuminations has worked on so far, Senanayake says:
“One of our favourites was at Fun Spot Theme Park, a large 300-drone show with a big eagle element. Another memorable project was Gulf Coast Jam in Panama City, a four-night festival where we produced four different shows with 400 drones.
“Most recently, we worked with the city of Las Vegas for their Fourth of July events, customising everything from the storytelling experience to the site logistics.”
More than just a replacement for fireworks
One of the biggest misconceptions about drone shows is that they’re just a high-tech replacement for fireworks. However, while they can serve as an alternative, especially in noise-sensitive environments, they are much more than that, says Senanayake:
“Drone shows are a storytelling medium that can be choreographed down to the millisecond, incorporating brand integration, thematic visuals, and more.”
A common missed opportunity is understanding the emotional impact of the shows.
“For example, we created a show that displayed a memorial 500 feet wide in the sky. People don’t just watch these shows; they experience them.
“With over 20 years in the sound and live entertainment industry, we bring a deep understanding of how to design shows that are not only visually stunning but emotionally resonant, using audio mixing, custom music, and immersive show design to bring it all together.”
The sky as a canvas
It all begins with the initial client conversation, where the Aerial Illuminations team explores the client’s vision, goals, and target audience.
“This process can take up to two weeks as they refine ideas, such as incorporating logos or mascots. We also discuss the tone of the event and any brand elements.”
From there, the creative team storyboards and designs custom drone animations, mapping out how each moment will unfold in the sky.
“Meanwhile, our technical and flight operations team handles logistics, including airspace analysis, FAA waivers, and safety planning. The entire show is simulated in software to ensure everything is flawless before a single drone leaves the ground.”
On-site setup and rehearsals follow, testing the show in the real environment. Each production involves weeks, sometimes months, of planning. Aside from the main staff, Aerial Illuminations also has over 70 part-time employees who help make the magic happen at events.
“The medium is incredibly flexible, with applications across festivals, city events, theme parks, and corporate activations. Truly, the sky is a canvas – that’s what we say.”
The latest drone show from Aerial Illuminations
This past weekend, the Aerial Illuminations team debuted the company’s newest show. Senanayake calls it “One of the most ambitious and meaningful projects we’ve ever undertaken.”
The show featured 1,000 drones perfectly synchronised with a powerful mix of music. What stands out is not just the scale, but the depth and meaning.
“The show this past weekend was a powerful and deeply moving tribute as we honoured three fallen heroes from our own community,” says Norah Wiest, director of creative design.
” With precision and artistry, we were able to paint the sky each hero’s badge, badge number, and full name, accompanied by the message “Heroes Live Forever.” This 1,000-drone light experience has become the most impactful and memorable drone show we have flown yet.
“It was more than just an aerial performance for the Burnsville community; it was a tribute to the heroes whose courage, strength, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The team also incorporated Prince into this show, adds Grant Reichardt, director of flight operations:
“We are absolutely so thrilled to honour his legacy and celebrate one of the most iconic and innovative artists of all time. Not only is Prince a global legend, he was a proud Minnesotan who loved and represented our state to an incredible degree. Prince is a deep source of pride for Minnesotans, so featuring Prince in our Minnesota show was an easy no-brainer and an immense honour for our team.
“Prince was the first name floated in our design process when we began dreaming up whose face we wanted to fly 400 feet in the sky, and we are so thankful to partner with the Prince Legacy Group to make that a reality.”
Drone shows and the future of attractions
Looking to the future, he believes drone shows have the potential to reshape the guest experience in theme parks and attractions.
“We’re on track for them to become a regular fixture of nighttime entertainment. The ability to deliver dynamic visuals opens up a whole new realm of creative possibilities for theme parks.
“Drones offer a fresh canvas. They can animate characters, tell brand stories, and celebrate seasonal activities. And, because drone shows are silent and environmentally friendly, they can operate in many more areas than traditional pyrotechnics.”
This medium can also help attractions to meet their sustainability goals:
“I think drone shows are safer for the environment and wildlife, especially at zoos where we perform. Because they’re reusable and fully programmable, they generate far less waste.
“As the entertainment industry looks for greener solutions, we’ve found a path to help parks meet eco-conscious targets.”
Aerial Illuminations looks to the future
Senanayake is excited about what is to come in this space:
“There are several exciting innovations on the horizon. One is indoor drones, which allow us to create shows inside larger buildings. Advancements like longer battery life enhance show duration, and our manufacturing partner, UVify, continually pushes the limits of drone technology, helping us deliver precision and reliability.”
With its new presence in Orlando, Aerial Illuminations is well-positioned to deepen partnerships and expand its footprint.
“Being local allows us to collaborate more with theme parks, creative agencies, and event producers, offering fast turnaround times and tailored solutions. Looking ahead, our goal is to become the go-to partner for attractions seeking innovative entertainment that elevates guest experiences.
“To any operator considering adding a drone show, I’d say make the call, meet with us, see examples, and explore the possibilities. The sky is a canvas, and when we work with them to understand what they want to achieve, we can help bring it to life.”
Drone shows are quickly becoming a distinctive part of live entertainment, offering a flexible and creative medium that combines technology, storytelling, and visual spectacle. From city festivals to theme parks, corporate events, and memorial tributes, these aerial displays provide a new way to engage audiences while also addressing sustainability and accessibility concerns.
As technology continues to advance, Aerial Illuminations is likely to play an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of live events, delivering immersive experiences beyond traditional pyrotechnics and light displays.
