Roadmap
A credible five-phase roadmap showing the steps required to take Prestwick DronePort from research concept to operational autonomous cargo service. Timeframes are indicative.
A formal feasibility study to assess technical, regulatory, commercial, and community dimensions of the Prestwick DronePort concept. Includes airspace analysis in partnership with NATS and initial engagement with the CAA's BVLOS framework development team.
Dependencies: CAA engagement, Prestwick Airport operator sign-off, Scottish Government commission or funding support
Application to CAA for BVLOS corridor approval on the Prestwick–Arran and Prestwick–Campbeltown routes. This phase is contingent on the CAA BVLOS framework reaching sufficient maturity. Engagement with Project Xcelerate and the Airspace Modernisation Strategy process.
Dependencies: CAA BVLOS framework, airspace coordination with NATS, operator certification preparation
Construction of dedicated autonomous operations infrastructure at Prestwick Airport. This includes a ground control operations centre, maintenance and storage facilities, cargo loading systems, and communications infrastructure for corridor monitoring.
Dependencies: Planning permission, Prestwick Airport ground handling agreements, capital investment (private or public)
Initial commercial cargo operations on the two Phase 1 routes. Flights begin with a limited schedule — likely a small number of daily departures — scaling with operational confidence and demand validation. Island reception infrastructure (simple ground handling) operational at Brodick and Campbeltown Airport.
Dependencies: Phase 2 BVLOS approval, aircraft operator certification, island authority agreements, cargo operator partnerships
Route expansion to Islay and Mull on the basis of demand validation from Phase 1 routes. Introduction of offshore wind logistics operations serving installations in Firth of Clyde and west coast waters. Assessment of further expansion routes to Orkney, Shetland, or other island communities.
Dependencies: Phase 4 demand validation, Islay and Mull island authority agreements, offshore wind operator partnerships
Beyond Visual Line of Sight refers to drone operations where the aircraft flies beyond the direct visual range of the operator. For island logistics, BVLOS capability is essential — you cannot see Arran from Prestwick.
The UK CAA is developing the BVLOS regulatory framework under the Airspace Modernisation Strategy. This framework will define the conditions under which BVLOS commercial cargo operations can be approved and operated safely.
Key elements under development include:
The concept proposes that Prestwick could host a UK-first regulatory sandbox for BVLOS corridor operations — a controlled environment where CAA and industry can develop and test the framework in a real operational context.
Regulatory sandboxes have been used effectively in financial services, healthcare technology, and other sectors where conventional approval pathways are not yet fully defined.