Xplorate Secures National-First BVLOS Approval Across 58,000 km² in Queensland

A new benchmark for unmanned aviation in Australia

Xplorate has achieved a historic milestone with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) granting approval for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations across an extraordinary 58,000 square kilometres of Queensland’s Surat Basin. This new authorisation, issued under CASA.BVLOS.0097, represents one of the largest and most complex BVLOS approval ever awarded in Australia, and covers an area larger than the entire country of Switzerland.

This achievement cements Xplorate’s position as Australia’s BVLOS operator of choice and demonstrates the company’s ability to safely and effectively operate drones in mixed airspace environments—a national first.

A Game-Changer for Australian Industry

The approved area encompasses the majority of assets across the Surat Basin, giving Xplorate capability to deliver large-scale, long-range aerial operations across one of Australia’s most strategically significant energy regions.

BVLOS flight operations enable Xplorate’s advanced Remotely Piloted Aircraft, including the SwissDrones SDO 50 V3, to operate far beyond the pilot’s line of sight—by both day and night. This allows for continuous, wide-area monitoring of critical infrastructure, including pipelines, well sites and processing facilities, with far greater safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness than traditional inspection methods.

“This approval is not just about scale; it’s about trust and capability,” said Ronnie Fahy, Chief Executive Officer at Xplorate.
“CASA’s confidence in our systems and safety framework enables us to deliver unmanned operations over an area larger than a European nation, and to do so safely within mixed airspace. This is a transformational step for Xplorate and for Australia’s RPAS industry.”

Setting a New Standard for BVLOS Operations

The Surat Basin BVLOS approval is a pioneering example of safe, integrated drone operations in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace. It will allow Xplorate to undertake extended missions for clients in the energy and infrastructure sectors, capturing high-resolution data over vast distances and delivering actionable insights faster than ever before.

For the broader industry, the approval demonstrates that large-area BVLOS operations can be conducted safely within Australia’s regulatory framework—paving the way for expanded applications in energy, utilities, environmental monitoring and emergency response.

Building the Future of Aerial Intelligence

This approval will serve as a template for future BVLOS expansions as Xplorate continues to scale its operational footprint across Australia. By working collaboratively with CASA and industry partners, the company is establishing the regulatory and operational foundation for next-generation aerial intelligence—where long-range, automated flight is the norm rather than the exception.

“We’ve proven that complex, high-value operations can be achieved safely under Australia’s aviation framework,” Fahy added. “The Surat Basin approval is the first of many, and our goal is to extend these capabilities nationwide.”

About Xplorate

Xplorate is an Australian RPAS and data intelligence company delivering long-range aerial surveillance and asset inspection services for the energy, infrastructure and government sectors. By combining cutting-edge BVLOS flight capabilities with AI-driven data analytics, Xplorate provides clients with faster, safer and more sustainable solutions for monitoring critical assets.