BCN Drone Center Becomes First in Spain to Obtain SAIL III Authorization, Paving the Way for Urban BVLOS Drone Deliveries

BCN Drone Center Secures Spain's First SAIL III Authorization, Ushering in a New Era for Urban BVLOS Drone Delivery

Spain's CATUAV (BCN Drone Center) has announced it has successfully obtained the country's first SAIL III operational authorization under the SORA 2.5 (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) framework — a historic milestone for the Spanish drone industry.

A Trilateral Collaboration Behind a Landmark Achievement

The authorization was driven by a joint effort between CATUAV, drone manufacturer RigiTech, and Spain's civil aviation authority AESA (Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea). Under the SORA framework, a SAIL III designation represents a higher-risk operational category, confirming that the operators involved have demonstrated the technical capability and safety management systems required to conduct complex flight missions in challenging environments.

Urban BVLOS Operations Now Officially Unlocked

With this authorization in place, BCN Drone Center is now permitted to conduct BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) delivery operations in urban environments, breaking through the constraints of traditional visual line-of-sight flying. This represents a significant regulatory and technical breakthrough for drone applications in densely populated areas.

Medical Logistics as the Primary Use Case

The core application driving this authorization is the advancement of medical supply logistics across the Catalonia region. By leveraging BVLOS drone delivery, healthcare institutions can transport pharmaceuticals, biological samples, and emergency medical supplies faster and more efficiently — potentially transforming regional emergency medical response capabilities.

A New Benchmark for European UAS Regulation

Industry analysts note that Spain's issuance of a SAIL III authorization under the SORA 2.5 framework carries significance well beyond its borders. The move is expected to serve as a key reference point for UAS operational standards and regulatory frameworks across the European Union, likely accelerating similar authorization processes in other member states.

As one of Catalonia's leading drone research and testing centers, CATUAV's achievement further cements its position at the forefront of the Spanish — and broader European — drone industry.

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