Historic Achievement: UK Drone Secures Approval for Cross-Border Flight to Norway
Windracers, a renowned British drone manufacturer, has made history by securing approval from both the UK and Norwegian aviation authorities. This approval allows them to conduct the first-ever civilian unmanned aerial vehicle flight between two countries. The Civil Aviation Authority and Norway’s Luftfartstilsynet granted this groundbreaking permission on September 16, 2025. This allows Windracers’ ULTRA MK2 drone to embark on a beyond-visual-line-of-sight flight from Tingwall Airport in Scotland’s Shetland Islands to Haugesund Airport in Norway.
The drone will traverse a 235-mile journey across the North Sea, utilizing a temporary danger area that creates a controlled corridor for the autonomous flight. The ULTRA drone, boasting a 10-meter wingspan, has the capacity to transport up to 150kg of cargo over distances reaching 1,000km.
“This airspace approval is a major landmark for both Windracers and the wider UAS sector,” said CEO Simon Muderack. “We can now prove those capabilities across international airspace – opening new possibilities for how we connect remote communities and deliver essential services.”
This approval signifies a substantial leap forward for autonomous aviation technology and international drone operations. It showcases how regulators are fostering innovation while upholding safety standards. The flight will serve as a commercial delivery to Norwegian customer Norce, while also providing crucial evidence to support future international drone operations.
Source: FlightGlobal