The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an authorisation for a drone to fly beyond the operator’s visual line of sight from the US coastline over the Gulf of Mexico (also known as Gulf of America).
Skyways will operate its autonomous V2 vertical takeoff and landing aircraft from Shell’s SPLC facility in Gibson, Louisiana, to a Shell platform in the Gulf. The flight will include a pipeline right-of-way inspection and a simulated delivery of equipment to the platform, demonstrating the potential for drones to support critical infrastructure and offshore operations.
The FAA authorised Skyways to conduct these operations under Section 927 of the Reauthorization Act of 2024, which allows the agency to approve certain drone operations through a waiver, rather than through rulemaking or an exemption.
Skyways has also announced the launch of the Skyreach platform today (9 November). The long-range autonomous Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) cargo aircraft will begin flights for defence and commercial customers beginning in December 2026.
“With maximum fuel load, the aircraft has an operational range of over 1,300 miles and more than 18 hours of flight time,” Skyways said in a press release. “With 100 lbs of combined fuel and payload capacity, its large 7 cu. ft. payload bay can be configured for cargo (including temperature-controlled items), sensors and other mission applications.”
Skyreach is the production platform behind Skyways’ previously announced USD 37 million
AFWERX STRATFI award from the US Air Force to achieve full-rate production.
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Image: Skyways