Skyways Secures FAA Waiver for Long-Range Offshore Drone Operations

Skyways announced on November 9, 2026 that the Federal Aviation Administration had authorized long-range beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone operations from the US coastline over the high seas, clearing a planned inspection and simulated cargo-delivery mission for Shell Pipeline Company LP in the Gulf of America.

The company described the authorization, granted through the FAA’s Section 927 waiver process for unmanned aircraft systems, as the first of its kind for an uncrewed aircraft. The authorization covers a planned demonstration that has not yet been flown.

Inspection and Delivery in One Mission

Skyways will operate its V2 hybrid-powered vertical takeoff and landing aircraft from Shell Pipeline’s facility in Gibson, Louisiana, to an offshore platform. During the flight, the aircraft will inspect a pipeline right-of-way and simulate the delivery of critical equipment to the platform, combining infrastructure inspection and logistics in one operation.

Skyways co-founder and CEO Charles Acknin said the authorization expands the company’s US operating envelope and that he expects the flight to test offshore inspection and logistics over distances that are difficult to support today. “More broadly, it gives Skyways another real-world environment, in the United States, to prove the aircraft, build operational experience and keep pushing the system farther,” he said.

V2 Aircraft and Safety Framework

The V2 combines electric-powered vertical takeoff and landing with a heavy-fuel cruise engine, pairing runway-independent departure and recovery with combustion propulsion for extended-range flight. Satellite-based command and control will support the planned long-range operation.

Skyways’ SkyNav software plans routes and automates missions. On its website, the company says its aircraft fly autonomously and that its broader system allows one operator to supervise many aircraft.

The FAA authorization followed coordination among Skyways, Shell Pipeline and the agency on an operating and safety framework for flights from shore to offshore infrastructure. Acting FAA Deputy Administrator Liam McKenna said the process was intended to establish a safe framework for what he described as novel operations.

Commercial Offshore Ambitions

For Shell Pipeline, the planned mission builds on an existing high-seas drone program and earlier work with Skyways on pipeline right-of-way inspections across the Gulf. Shell Pipeline President Wesley Stewart said the waiver would streamline offshore inspections, maintenance and logistics, making pipeline transportation safer, more efficient and more cost-effective.

Skyways reports 3,500 autonomous flights and approximately 90,000 kilometers flown worldwide, including BVLOS cargo missions for the US Navy, the Japanese Ministry of Defense, DSV, Skyports Drone Services and All Nippon Airways.

The company separately announced a commercial offshore logistics partnership with DSV on September 21, 2026. The agreement assigns Skyways responsibility for aircraft, pilot training and technical, maintenance and regulatory support for an initial North Sea deployment from Norden, Germany, while DSV manages local flight staffing and works with aviation authorities on required authorizations.

Skyways expects the FAA authorization to underpin expanded, longer-term Gulf operations, including more frequent infrastructure inspections and cargo deliveries for compensation. The immediate significance is narrower: the waiver establishes a framework for one planned autonomous mission that combines inspection and logistics, while recurring paid offshore service remains a stated objective rather than an operation already underway.