Windracers, a British drone manufacturer, has achieved a major milestone by receiving approval for the UK’s first international unmanned aerial system (UAS) flight. The approval, granted by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Norway’s Luftfartstilsynet, allows Windracers to fly its ULTRA drone beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) between the Shetland Islands (UK) and Haugesund Airport in Norway.
The flight will cover 378 kilometers (235 miles) across the North Sea. It will be the first long-distance drone operation between UK and Norwegian airspace. The creation of temporary danger areas has made this possible. These areas ensure a controlled flight path.
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Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles
The approval marks an important step for the UAS sector. It took time to achieve this outcome. Windracers collaborated closely with the UK and Norwegian regulators to meet all safety, liability, environmental, and international requirements. To allow for this flight, temporary danger areas were established, creating a controlled corridor for the drone’s travel. This ensures safe and regulated airspace.
Jon Round, Head of Airspace at the UK CAA, highlighted the innovative approach taken in overcoming the regulatory challenges, stating that “innovation isn’t always about new technology or future frameworks—it can also mean reimagining how current systems can be applied.” This sentiment was echoed by Lars E. de Lange Kobberstad, Director General at Norway’s Civil Aviation Authority, who noted that this operation would strengthen preparedness, protect the environment, and improve accessibility—while ensuring safety.
The Windracers ULTRA Drone
At the heart of this operation is the Windracers ULTRA, a heavy-lift drone capable of carrying 150 kilograms of cargo for up to 1,000 kilometers. This drone has already been involved in real-world missions, such as medical deliveries and wildlife surveys. CEO Simon Muderack emphasized that this approval showcases the capabilities of autonomous air cargo, which is already operational today, not in the distant future.
Milestone for Drone Operations
This approval is an important step in bringing drone technology into global aviation. It shows that BVLOS drone flights can be safely carried out across international borders. This sets the foundation for future drone operations between countries. These operations could be useful in logistics, emergency relief, and linking remote communities.
Windracers plans to expand its operations. New hubs are planned in Malawi to support humanitarian aid delivery across Africa. This approval is just the beginning and marks a new era for drone-powered services around the world.
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