Skyways and Shell to demonstrate autonomous shore-to-offshore infrastructure inspection and logistics in the Gulf of America
- FAA authorization clears Skyways to conduct the first autonomous long-range beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations from the US coastline to offshore infrastructure in the Gulf of America.
- Skyways will support Shell by combining pipeline right-of-way inspection with a simulated cargo delivery to an offshore platform.
- The mission will demonstrate how autonomous aircraft can perform inspection and logistics across extended offshore distances.
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Skyways, developer and operator of long-range, hybrid-powered VTOL autonomous aircraft, today announced that it has received authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct long-range beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations from the US coastline over the high seas, the first authorization of its kind for an uncrewed aircraft. The authorization, granted through the FAA's Section 927 waiver process for unmanned aircraft systems, clears the way for Skyways to execute a planned mission with Shell Pipeline Company LP (SPLC) in the Gulf of America.
"This authorization opens up a much larger operating envelope for us in the US," said Charles Acknin, co-founder and CEO of Skyways. "We expect this mission to show what's possible when long-range autonomous aircraft are applied to real offshore operations, combining inspection and logistics in a single flight, 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."
During the mission, Skyways will operate its V2 hybrid-powered vertical takeoff and landing aircraft from the SPLC facility in Gibson, Louisiana to an offshore platform in the Gulf. The aircraft will inspect a pipeline right-of-way during the flight and demonstrate simulated delivery of critical equipment to the platform, combining two offshore missions in a single operation.
The FAA authorization follows extensive coordination among Skyways, SPLC and the FAA to establish the operating and safety framework for long-range flights from shore to offshore infrastructure. The planned operation will use Skyways' V2 aircraft, which combines electric vertical takeoff and landing with a heavy-fuel cruise engine and satellite-based command and control for extended-range operations.
"We're committed to American aviation innovation and ensuring new technologies can be deployed safely, efficiently, and at scale," said Acting FAA Deputy Administrator Liam McKenna. "This authorization follows extensive coordination among Skyways, Shell and the FAA to establish a safe framework for these novel operations."
For SPLC, the mission builds on the company's existing high-seas drone program and its work with Skyways on pipeline right-of-way inspection across the Gulf of America.
"We are proud to receive this unprecedented authorization from the FAA for this first of its kind application," said Wesley Stewart, President, SPLC. "This waiver allows us to use uncrewed aircraft in a way that will streamline offshore inspections, maintenance and logistics, making pipeline transportation even more safe, efficient and cost effective."
For Skyways, the mission will add to their broader track record of 3,500 autonomous flights and approximately 90,000 kilometers flown worldwide, including BVLOS cargo missions for the U.S. Navy, Japanese Ministry of Defense, DSV, Skyports Drone Services, and All Nippon Airways (ANA).
Skyways expects this authorization to serve as a foundation for expanded, longer-term operations across the Gulf of America, including more frequent infrastructure inspection and delivery of cargo for compensation.
About Skyways
Skyways builds and operates long-range, hybrid-powered VTOL uncrewed aircraft, the only operational long-range VTOL of its kind, flying for commercial and government customers across multiple continents. Electric motors handle vertical takeoff and landing; a heavy-fuel cruise engine carries the aircraft hundreds of miles to the delivery or inspection point. Missions are planned, dispatched, and monitored through SkyNav, Skyways' U.S.-built flight operations software.
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