Watershed Moment for UAS: Iridium Connected Drones from American Aerospace Granted First FAA Waiver for BVLOS Commercial Operations

Iridium partner American Aerospace received FAA approval for BVLOS drone operations on behalf of a recently announced oil and gas industry customer, based on proven Detect and Avoid aircraft right of way capability

MCLEAN, Va., May 15, 2024 -- Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM), a leading provider of global voice and data satellite communications, today announced a historic development for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). Iridium partner American Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (AATI) was granted a first-of-its-kind waiver from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct UAS surveillance of critical infrastructure in the San Joaquin Valley on behalf of a multinational oil and gas company. This waiver may serve as a tipping point for wider adoption of safe and scalable UAS operations in the National Airspace System (NAS).