Drone Industry Sees Breakthrough In Safe Airspace Regulations
As the commercial drone industry continues to expand its reach and influence, regulatory bodies …
16. July 2026
Faa And Easa Unveil New Era Of Drone Operations As Commercial Uav Expo Announces Keynote
Regulatory Landscape Evolves as Commercial UAV Expo Announces FAA and EASA BVLOS Keynote for 2026
As the commercial drone industry continues to grow and mature, regulatory bodies are playing a crucial role in shaping the future of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have been at the forefront of this effort, with their respective approaches to beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight regulations.
In an effort to facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing among industry stakeholders, Commercial UAV Expo has announced its second and final keynote for the 2026 event: an FAA and EASA BVLOS keynote titled “Two Skies, One Conversation: Comparing FAA and EASA Approaches to BVLOS Drone Operations.”
At XPONENTIAL 2026, AUVSI Signals a New Phase for the Drone Industry has brought about significant advancements in drone technology and its industry.
This panel discussion promises to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about BVLOS flight regulations. By bringing together leaders from the FAA and EASA, Commercial UAV Expo aims to provide a unique opportunity for attendees to gain insights into the evolving regulatory landscape.
The keynote will take place on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, marking the final day of the show. The moderated panel will delve into operational waivers and exemptions, review risk-based frameworks such as the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA), and discuss emerging U.S. approval pathways.
The comparison of FAA and EASA approaches to BVLOS operations is particularly significant, given the contrasting regulatory environments in these two major aviation authorities. While the FAA has been working tirelessly to finalize its long-delayed Part 108 BVLOS rule, EASA continues to build out its SORA-based Specific category under EU 2019/947.
For a deeper understanding of how this is shaping up at the FCC and other organizations, one can refer to FCC Opens Public Comment on Spectrum and Licensing Reforms to Advance U.S. Drone Industry.
The announcement comes at a critical juncture for the commercial drone industry, which is increasingly being pushed to scale routine operations beyond visual line of sight. As regulators continue to navigate this complex issue, industry stakeholders are eagerly awaiting guidance on how to comply with new regulations and what best practices can be adopted to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Commercial UAV Expo has established itself as a leading platform for the commercial drone industry, providing a unique opportunity for operators, manufacturers, and regulators to connect and share knowledge. By featuring the FAA and EASA in its final keynote of the 2026 event, Commercial UAV Expo is demonstrating its commitment to facilitating collaboration and innovation across the globe.
Commercial UAV Expo has also explored Carbonix Becomes First Australian Drone Manufacturer to Achieve Landmark CASA UAS Certification in its discussions on regulations and certification.
“The commercial drone industry is no longer a collection of regional markets," said Adrianne Madden, event director of Commercial UAV Expo. “It is one global industry with shared ambitions and shared growing pains. Our job is to provide the place where regulators, end-users, service providers, and manufacturers from around the globe can connect face-to-face.”
Commercial UAV Expo Reveals Second Keynote Focused on the Future of Shared Airspace has focused on the importance of shared airspace in this industry.
The inclusion of the FAA and EASA BVLOS keynote in every registration type, including the Exhibit Hall Only Pass, the DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Summit pass, the DRONERESPONDERS Program Management Course pass, and the Full Conference Pass, underscores Commercial UAV Expo’s commitment to providing comprehensive coverage of industry developments.
Carbonix Becomes First Australian Drone Manufacturer to Achieve Landmark CASA UAS Certification has been a landmark achievement for the drone industry in Australia.
As the event approaches, industry experts are eagerly anticipating the insights that will be shared by the FAA and EASA. By bringing together leaders from these two regulatory authorities, Commercial UAV Expo is positioning itself as a thought leader in the commercial drone space.
FCC Drone Exemption List Offers Clues to Trusted Supplier Requirements has highlighted the importance of trusted suppliers in this industry.
“It’s rare to get the FAA and EASA on the same stage at the same time, and rarer still to hear them compare notes candidly in front of an audience," said Matt Collins, content manager of Commercial UAV News. “FCC Opens Public Comment on Spectrum and Licensing Reforms to Advance U.S. Drone Industry has brought attention to the importance of spectrum licensing.
Commercial UAV Expo will take place on September 1-3, 2026, at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. The event promises to be an exciting conclusion to the commercial drone industry’s biggest gathering of the year.
For more information, visit Commercial UAV Expo and FCC Opens Public Comment on Spectrum and Licensing Reforms to Advance U.S. Drone Industry.
At XPONENTIAL 2026, AUVSI Signals a New Phase for the Drone Industry has signalled an important phase in the industry.
For more information on how these regulatory developments will impact your business, visit Commercial UAV Expo.