---
title: Xplorate Secures National-First BVLOS Approval Across 58,000 km² in Queensland
description: Xplorate has been granted a national-first BVLOS approval covering 58,000 km² of Queensland’s Surat Basin—larger than Switzerland—enabling safe, long-range unmanned drone operations across major energy assets.
---

[blog](https://blog.xplorate.io/blog)

# [Xplorate Secures National-First BVLOS Approval Across 58,000 km² in Queensland](https://blog.xplorate.io/blog/xplorate-secures-national-first-bvlos-approval-across-58000-km-in-queensland)

 Written by [Feny Soviani](https://blog.xplorate.io/blog/author/feny-soviani) | 17/10/25, 5:15 am

## 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.

[View full post](https://blog.xplorate.io/blog/xplorate-secures-national-first-bvlos-approval-across-58000-km-in-queensland)

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