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Highlights
- CASA expands Automated Airspace Authorisations Trial (AAAT) to include six additional airports, streamlining drone operations near controlled areas.
- Elsight’s Halo technology supports Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights, ensuring continuous connectivity between drones and ground control.
- DroneUp, a key Elsight customer, achieves FAA Part 135 certification in the U.S., paving the way for BVLOS operations in populated areas.
The Australian Civil Aviation Authority (CASA) has announced the expansion of its Automated Airspace Authorisations Trial (AAAT), a move warmly welcomed by Elsight (ASX:ELS), a leader in drone connectivity technology. The trial, which simplifies and accelerates airspace access for commercial drone operators, now includes controlled zones at six additional airports: Broome, Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Essendon, Hobart, and Melbourne.
This development marks a significant step forward for the commercial drone industry, enabling operations in previously restricted areas near airports. Elsight CEO Yoav Amitai lauded the expansion, describing it as a "positive step towards unlocking the full potential of drone technology" in Australia.
Transforming Airspace Access for Drones
The AAAT, launched in May 2021 by CASA in collaboration with Airservices Australia, streamlines the process for commercial drone operators to gain access to airspace traditionally restricted within a 3-nautical-mile radius of airports. This area has been particularly challenging for cities like Adelaide and Canberra, where airports are located near central business districts.
Using historical flight data, CASA identifies safe zones within the restricted areas, significantly reducing the application processing time. Before the trial, applications for airspace authorisation could take up to three weeks and cost operators A$800. Since the trial began, over 1,400 automated flight authorisations have been granted, saving the industry more than A$1.2 million in fees.
Elsight’s Halo: Enabling BVLOS Operations
Elsight’s flagship connectivity solution, Halo, plays a crucial role in enabling drones to fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS). By bonding multiple communication channels—such as LTE, 5G, satellite, and RF—Halo ensures uninterrupted connectivity between drones and their ground control systems, even in areas with limited cellular coverage.
"Regulatory restrictions remain a hurdle for the widespread use of drones, but this trial is a major step in the right direction," Mr. Amitai said. He emphasized that the robust connectivity provided by Halo is essential for scaling up drone operations, which are predicted to grow significantly in the next two decades.
Global Momentum in Drone Technology
The CASA trial’s expansion coincides with a major milestone achieved by DroneUp, an Elsight customer in the United States. DroneUp recently secured a Part 135 air carrier certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), enabling it to deliver third-party goods using drones in populated areas under BVLOS conditions.
DroneUp leverages Elsight’s Halo platform to ensure seamless communication and connectivity for its drone operations. This technological capability will be instrumental in meeting the growing demand for drone deliveries in both Australia and overseas markets.
A Bright Future for Drone Applications
The expansion of the AAAT is expected to open doors for various commercial drone applications, including deliveries, surveillance, and infrastructure inspections. By enabling faster and more cost-effective airspace authorisations, CASA is paving the way for innovation in the Australian drone industry.
