Parrot-owned SenseFly has announced approval for what will be Brazil’s first beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flights. The project is in collaboration with drone engineering and consulting specialists AL Drones, environmental technology company Santiago & Cintra and Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC).

SenseFly’s drones, which include the USA’s most popular fixed-wing aircraft, the eBee, can now be used for BVLOS operations by commercial pilots in Brazil.

“A momentous step in advancing Brazil’s commercial drone industry”

“This is a momentous step forward for BVLOS operations in Brazil, and a really exciting time for the country’s expanding commercial drone industry,” says Pierre-Alain Marchand, regulatory compliance manager, senseFly.

“We’re delighted that our robust drones—offering the appropriate safety mechanisms and exceptional navigational performance needed for BVLOS—have played a part in this landmark achievement and are helping to define frameworks and regulations that will support the growth of future BVLOS operations.”

SenseFly drones are the first and only in Brazil permitted to fly 400 feet in height. BVLOS flights can take place within a five-kilometer radius from a licensed pilot or observer. Current legislation in Brazil restricts standard operations to a 500-meter radius.

The step paves the way for companies in Brazil to explore the potential of significantly larger-scale mapping missions, particularly in remote areas. Santiago & Cintra are the first to gain authorization.

“We’re very proud to be the first company in Brazil to receive authorization to commercialize ANAC-certified drones for BVLOS flights,” says Eduardo Oliveira, president, Santiago & Cintra. “This approval is a major achievement for us and is something we have been working towards, in collaboration with senseFly and AL Drones, for a long time.”

Read more: A Closer Look at senseFly New eBee X

André Arruda, drone associate at AL Drones, said: “this is our biggest achievement to-date and is a testament to the extensive planning and hard work that went into receiving this approval. With correct planning, and communications with local air traffic control, BVLOS operations can be an incredibly efficient mapping tool.”

SenseFly continues BVLOS innovation

In 2017, senseFly was the first drone operator to be granted ‘anytime’ BVLOS authorization in Switzerland. Its systems are also approved for BVLOS use in France, Spain, Denmark and China. The fixed-wing specialist was instrumental in last year’s UTM demonstration in Geneva.

SenseFly will be at Booth 2215 at Xponential 2019.