Sorair Obtains First UK-Wide BVLOS(VM) Approval from the CAA

The approval Sorair obtained was a UK-wide BVLOS (VM) approval, allowing adopters of the  Soranet to operate remote BVLOS drone-in-a-box operations in any location within the UK, subject to a suitable assessment of the proposed operating location by Sorair, to enhance surveillance operations.

BVLOS operations allow operators of drones to fly beyond the remote pilot’s line of sight, significantly enhancing the value proposition of drone services such as Sorair’s Autonomous Surveillance System, the Soranet™ . 

In Q1 2025, the CAA released their new SORA (Specific Operational Risk Assessment) regulatory framework, providing the policies and guidelines for operators aiming to perform more complex operations with drone technology beyond the PDRA-01. 

The SORA framework is there to help operators:

• Identify the risk that operations pose to people on the ground and other airspace users/manned aviation.

• Prepare mitigation plans and procedures to mitigate these risks.

• Provide evidence to the CAA that the required Operational Safety Objectives (OSOs) have been met for the proposed operation. 

What will this new BVLOS approval allow Soranet™  users to do?

With this new BVLOS approval, Soranet™ users/pilots will be able to:

• Commence BVLOS operations immediately without the need for separate approval.

• Extends the range of remote drone operation with the use of a visual observer.

• Assist staff and workers by aerial support, helping to either derisk/plan confrontations better or automate tasks like inspections, security patrols and responses.

• Cover CCTV blind spots to collect better incident evidence for insurance claims and/or law enforcement.

“Securing UK‑wide approval for BVLOS with visual mitigations isn’t just a regulatory milestone—it reflects our belief that surveillance technology and compliance must evolve together. After more than a year leading Sorair’s drone technology and regulatory strategy, we recognised that true innovation requires cutting‑edge solutions, scalability and rigorous standards. This approval proves we can drive our business—and the industry—forward by coupling drone technology advancement with full regulatory compliance.”

— Adebayo Popoola, CTO, Sorair Technologies.

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