UAV & Drones
NHV and Flylogix Launch Integrated Drone-Helicopter Offshore Solutions
Strategic partnership combines aerial tech for cost-efficient methane monitoring and inspections in UK offshore energy operations, cutting costs by 90%.
The offshore energy sector is undergoing a quiet revolution. A newly announced partnership between NHV Group, a leading helicopter operator, and Flylogix, a long-range drone specialist, marks a significant milestone for the industry. This collaboration is the first of its kind to merge traditional helicopter transportation with advanced drone services into a single, integrated offering for offshore operations.
At the heart of this partnership is a shared vision: to streamline offshore logistics while addressing critical industry challenges such as safety, cost-efficiency, and environmental impact. By combining NHV’s extensive helicopter fleet with Flylogix’s cutting-edge Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone technology, this alliance promises to redefine how offshore energy operators manage crew transport, emissions monitoring, infrastructure inspection, and security surveillance.
Set against the backdrop of increasing regulatory scrutiny and a global push for decarbonization, this strategic alliance is not just a business move, it’s a glimpse into the future of offshore logistics. With operations initially focused on the UK North Sea and East Irish Sea, and expansion potential across global markets, the NHV-Flylogix partnership may well become the blueprint for next-generation energy logistics.
Offshore energy platforms have historically relied on helicopters to transport personnel and equipment. NHV Group, founded in 1997, has been at the forefront of this domain, operating a fleet of Airbus H175 helicopters from key bases in Aberdeen and Norwich. By 2024, NHV’s Aberdeen operations alone accounted for 7,000–8,000 flight hours annually, servicing major fields such as BP’s Clair platform.
In parallel, drone technology has emerged as a viable solution to many of the challenges facing traditional offshore logistics. Flylogix, founded in the UK, made headlines in 2019 with a 185-kilometer methane-monitoring drone flight for BP. This success highlighted the potential of drones to perform hazardous, time-consuming, and costly missions more efficiently and safely than manned aircraft.
The convergence of these two capabilities, NHV’s manned helicopters and Flylogix’s autonomous drones, presents a compelling value proposition. This partnership enables operators to access a full spectrum of aerial services from a single provider, improving coordination, reducing costs, and enhancing safety outcomes.
“This strategic partnership will bring the future of flight to the North Sea and show the industry what’s possible with leading edge drone technology.” , Charles Tavner, CEO of Flylogix
Flylogix’s drones are equipped with advanced sensors capable of detecting methane plumes with high precision. These fixed-wing drones fly at altitudes of 120 meters and transmit real-time data via low-Earth orbit satellites, enabling accurate and timely emissions monitoring. This capability is particularly crucial given methane’s global warming potential, which is 84 times greater than CO₂ over a 20-year period.
On the other hand, NHV’s Airbus H175 helicopters are optimized for long-range offshore missions, capable of transporting up to 16 passengers over distances of 180 nautical miles. By integrating these two platforms, the partnership offers a seamless solution for transporting personnel and conducting inspections or surveillance in a single mission cycle. Applications include weekly methane scans for operators like Shell and Equinor, visual inspections of aging oil platforms to detect corrosion, and real-time surveillance of critical infrastructure such as pipelines. Notably, Flylogix’s drone operations have reduced inspection costs by up to 90%, slashing per-well methane survey costs from $1,000 to just $40.
The economic case for integrating drones into offshore operations is strong. Helicopter services are expensive, with hourly costs ranging from $560 to $800, excluding maintenance and insurance. In contrast, drones offer a more economical alternative for specific missions like emissions monitoring and visual inspections. BP’s investment of $3 million into Flylogix underscores the financial and strategic value of drone technology in achieving sustainability targets.
From an environmental perspective, methane emissions account for approximately 30% of greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas operations. With global initiatives pushing for a 50% reduction in methane emissions by 2030, drone-enabled monitoring is becoming a critical compliance tool. This aligns with broader decarbonization goals and enhances the industry’s social license to operate.
Furthermore, the drone inspection market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5% through 2034, reaching $4.3 billion globally. This growth contrasts with the more modest 2.74% CAGR for helicopter services, highlighting a significant shift in industry priorities and investment patterns.
One of the key barriers to scaling drone operations has been regulatory approval. Historically, obtaining permission for BVLOS flights in the UK required lengthy application processes. However, a 2025 airspace trial led by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), National Air Traffic Services (NATS), and Flylogix aims to streamline this process.
The trial will test the feasibility of short-notice drone deployments for emergency methane leak response, security incidents, and storm-damage assessments. This initiative is part of the UK’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy, which seeks to integrate drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into national airspace.
If successful, the trial could serve as a model for other jurisdictions, including Norway, Canada, and Trinidad, where Flylogix is already exploring expansion opportunities. Regulatory harmonization will be essential to unlocking the full potential of integrated aerial operations worldwide.
Industry leaders are optimistic about the broader implications of this partnership. Jamie John, NHV Group’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the safety benefits, noting that drones reduce human exposure to offshore hazards. Similarly, Charles Tavner of Flylogix highlighted the growing demand from sectors beyond oil and gas, including defense and renewable energy. In Australia, companies like Woodside are already using drones for emissions compliance, achieving up to 90% cost savings on remediation. Analysts estimate that similar adoption in the Gulf of Mexico could yield $2.5 billion in annual savings, further validating the economic rationale for this model.
However, challenges remain. Regulatory fragmentation across countries, the need for zero-emission drone technology, and workforce retraining for helicopter pilots are critical issues that must be addressed. By 2030, up to 45% of helicopter pilots may require training in drone coordination, signaling a major shift in skill requirements for the industry.
The NHV-Flylogix partnership represents a paradigm shift in offshore energy logistics. By integrating manned and unmanned aerial services, the alliance offers a scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable solution for a sector under increasing pressure to innovate. The immediate focus on the UK North Sea and East Irish Sea provides a testing ground for this model, with potential for global replication.
Looking ahead, the partnership could extend into adjacent sectors such as offshore wind, carbon capture, and maritime security. As drone autonomy and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, integrated aerial services may become the new standard in offshore logistics. The success of this initiative will depend on continued investment in technology, workforce development, and international regulatory alignment.
What is the main goal of the NHV-Flylogix partnership? What types of services will the partnership offer? Where will the partnership initially operate? How does drone technology reduce costs? What are the regulatory challenges? Sources: NHV Group, Flylogix, BP, UK Civil Aviation Authority, IMARC Group
Revolutionizing Offshore Energy Logistics: The NHV and Flylogix Partnership
Integrated Aerial Solutions: A New Era for Offshore Operations
Background and Evolution of Offshore Aerial Services
Technological Synergies and Operational Efficiency
Challenges, Opportunities, and Industry Impacts
Economic and Environmental Drivers
Regulatory Landscape and Future Trials
Expert Opinions and Global Implications
Conclusion and Future Outlook
FAQ
To provide integrated helicopter and drone services for offshore energy operations, improving safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance.
Crew transportation, methane emissions monitoring, infrastructure inspection, and security surveillance.
The UK North Sea and East Irish Sea, with potential expansion to other regions.
Drones can perform tasks like methane monitoring and visual inspections at a fraction of the cost of manned helicopter missions.
Approval for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone flights varies by country, requiring harmonized regulations for broader adoption.
Photo Credit: NHV
UAV & Drones
Dynamic Aerospace Systems Increases U.S. Drone Production After FCC Ban
Dynamic Aerospace Systems expands production and partnerships following FCC’s NDAA Section 1709 ban on foreign drone authorizations in the U.S. market.
This article is based on an official press release from Dynamic Aerospace Systems.
Dynamic Aerospace Systems (DAS), formerly known as BrooQLy, Inc., announced on December 29, 2025, that it is accelerating its strategic expansion plans to meet a surge in demand for American-made Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This announcement follows a significant regulatory shift in the United States, specifically the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) recent implementation of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Section 1709.
According to the company’s press release, the FCC’s Public Notice (DA 25-1086), issued on December 22, 2025, effectively prohibits new equipment authorizations for drones and critical components produced in “covered” foreign countries. DAS states that this regulatory action creates an immediate market vacuum, necessitating a rapid shift toward domestic alternatives for both government and commercial sectors.
In a statement regarding the new regulations, DAS leadership emphasized their readiness to fill the gap left by restricted foreign manufacturers.
“We are fully prepared to meet the heightened global demand for secure, American-built drone solutions,” the company stated in its release.
The catalyst for DAS’s recent announcement is the enforcement of Section 1709 of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act. As outlined in the company’s statement and supporting regulatory documents, this legislation adds specific foreign-produced UAVs and their critical components to the FCC’s “Covered List.”
This designation prevents the FCC from issuing new authorizations for these devices, effectively blocking new models from major foreign competitors, most notably those based in China, from entering the U.S. market. DAS publicly endorsed this move, citing national security concerns such as data exfiltration and supply chain vulnerabilities associated with foreign-made technology.
DAS highlighted its commitment to “supply chain sovereignty,” a concept that ensures all critical components are sourced domestically or from allied nations. The company asserts that its manufacturing processes in Ann Arbor, Michigan, are designed to eliminate the risks associated with foreign reliance, positioning their products as compliant, “Blue UAS” alternatives suitable for sensitive government operations.
To address the requirements of the new regulatory landscape, DAS is promoting its “Fortis Class” of aircraft. According to company disclosures, this portfolio is designed for dual-use applications, serving both military defense needs and commercial logistics. The Fortis Class includes three primary platforms:
The company confirmed in its release that it is expanding manufacturing capacity at its Ann Arbor facility to handle the expected volume increase resulting from the foreign technology ban.
Beyond manufacturing, DAS detailed several strategic moves intended to secure its foothold in the global market. The press release and recent company filings point to partnerships aimed at integrating DAS hardware into established logistics networks.
Key developments include:
The timing of Dynamic Aerospace Systems’ announcement is critical. By issuing this release just one week after the FCC’s December 22 notice, DAS is aggressively positioning itself to capture investor and customer attention during a period of industry disruption. The “import substitution” narrative is central to their strategy; with Chinese incumbents effectively barred from introducing new models, the U.S. market is undergoing a forced pivot toward domestic suppliers.
However, the challenge for DAS, and the broader U.S. drone industrial base, will be scaling production to match the volume and price points previously offered by foreign competitors. While the “Fortis Class” offers compliant alternatives, the company’s ability to execute on its manufacturing expansion in Ann Arbor will be the true test of its “readiness” claim.
What is the significance of the FCC’s December 22 Public Notice? What is Dynamic Aerospace Systems? What drones does DAS manufacture?
Dynamic Aerospace Systems Ramps Up Production Following FCC Ban on Foreign Drones
Regulatory Context: The Impact of NDAA Section 1709
Supply Chain Sovereignty
The “Fortis Class” and Operational Capabilities
Strategic Partnerships and Market Expansion
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The notice implements Section 1709 of the FY25 NDAA, which bans the FCC from authorizing new drones or critical components from specific foreign countries, effectively blocking new Chinese drone models from the U.S. market.
Dynamic Aerospace Systems (DAS) is a U.S.-based drone manufacturer headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The company was formerly known as BrooQLy, Inc. (OTCQB: BRQL).
DAS manufactures the “Fortis Class” of UAVs, which includes the Overwatch (hybrid VTOL), Sentinel (urban surveillance), and Breacher (tactical) models.
Sources
Photo Credit: Dynamic Aerospace Systems
UAV & Drones
Textron Supplies Aerosonde VTOL Drones to Nigeria’s Tantita Security Services
Textron Systems to deliver three Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL drones to Tantita Security Services Nigeria to boost surveillance of Niger Delta oil infrastructure.
This article is based on an official press release from Textron Systems and additional market research regarding Nigerian security infrastructure.
Textron Systems Corporation has announced a contract award to deliver three Aerosonde® Mk. 4.7 Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. The acquisition, facilitated by the Nigerian systems integrator Arco Worldwide Services (AWS), marks a significant technological upgrade in the private security sector’s efforts to protect Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure.
According to the announcement, the systems will be deployed to enhance surveillance capabilities in the Niger Delta, a region where pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft have historically impacted national production output. The contract includes the delivery of the aircraft with provisions for future training and potential fleet expansion.
The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 Hybrid Quad (HQ) is designed for expeditionary operations, making it particularly suitable for the challenging geography of the Niger Delta. Textron Systems highlights that the platform utilizes “Hybrid Quadrotor” technology, which allows the aircraft to launch and recover vertically like a helicopter while transitioning to fixed-wing flight for endurance and efficiency.
Key technical specifications cited in the contract details include:
Textron Systems noted that the configuration delivered to Tantita Security Services is ITAR-free (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), a designation that simplifies export compliance and accelerates the delivery timeline.
This contract represents a notable shift in the security architecture of Nigeria’s energy sector. Tantita Security Services, the end-user of these systems, is a private firm contracted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to curb industrial-scale oil theft. The firm is led by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo, whose deep knowledge of the local creek networks has been leveraged by the federal government to secure assets that were previously vulnerable to illegal bunkering.
Arco Worldwide Services (AWS), a subsidiary of the long-standing Nigerian oil and gas firm Arco Group Plc, acted as the intermediary for this transaction. AWS serves as the bridge between the U.S. manufacturer and the local end-user, ensuring that the deployment complies with local aviation and security standards.
The military-grade UAS technology to a private security entity underscores the severity of the oil theft crisis in Nigeria and the evolving strategies used to combat it. We observe three critical implications in this procurement: 1. The “Poacher Turned Gamekeeper” Dynamic 2. Interoperability with National Forces 3. Escalation of Surveillance Capability What is the Aerosonde Mk. 4.7? Who is the end-user of these drones? Why is the ITAR-free status important? Sources: Textron Systems Press Release
Textron Systems to Supply Aerosonde VTOL Drones to Nigeria’s Tantita Security Services
Operational Capabilities of the Aerosonde Mk. 4.7
Strategic Context: Private Security in the Niger Delta
AirPro News Analysis
The utilization of high-tech surveillance by a firm led by former agitators suggests a pragmatic approach by the Nigerian government. By equipping local experts with persistent aerial surveillance tools, the state aims to achieve a level of monitoring that traditional military patrols, often hampered by the difficult swamp terrain, struggle to maintain.
It is worth noting that the Nigerian Army already operates the Aerosonde system, having received units via a Foreign Military Sale in late 2022. The introduction of the same platform to private contractors creates a unique synergy. While the entities are distinct, the commonality of hardware could theoretically ease supply chain pressures for spare parts and maintenance expertise within the region.
Moving from basic physical patrols to operating ITAR-free, multi-mission drones represents a significant leap in capability. The Aerosonde’s ability to provide “eyes on” targets day and night allows for the collection of admissible evidence and the coordination of precise interdictions, potentially altering the risk-reward calculus for criminal syndicates operating in the Delta.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a tactical unmanned aircraft system capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), designed for surveillance and communications relay missions without requiring a runway.
The systems are being delivered to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a private security contractor tasked with protecting oil pipelines in the Niger Delta.
An ITAR-free configuration means the system is not subject to the strictest tier of U.S. arms export regulations, allowing for faster approval processes and quicker delivery to international customers.
Photo Credit: Textron Systems
UAV & Drones
China Revises Aviation Law to Regulate Drones and Passenger Rights
China updates its Civil Aviation Law to regulate drones with airworthiness certification and real-time tracking, plus enhanced passenger protections, effective July 2026.
This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and official announcements from the Civil Aviation Administration of China.
On Saturday, December 27, 2025, China’s top legislature passed a comprehensive revision to the country’s Civil Aviation Law, formally incorporating unmanned aircraft into its primary aviation legislation for the first time. According to reporting by Reuters and state media, the move is designed to regulate the booming drone sector and legitimize the “low-altitude economy.”
The revised law, which is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, introduces strict safety protocols, including mandatory airworthiness certifications for larger aircraft and technical enforcement mechanisms for registration. As reported by state media, the legislation aims to balance safety concerns regarding “black flying” (illegal flights) with the economic potential of aerial logistics and urban air mobility.
The revision comes as Beijing prioritizes the “low-altitude economy,” a sector encompassing drone delivery, aerial tourism, and flying taxis, as a critical engine for future economic growth. According to industry data cited in reports, the sector is projected to expand significantly in the coming years.
By establishing a clear legal framework, authorities aim to provide the regulatory certainty required for companies like SF Express and JD Logistics to scale operations from pilot zones to broader commercial networks.
The revised law creates a tiered framework based on the risk profile and size of the aircraft. According to the text of the legislation passed by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, regulations will vary significantly between hobbyist devices and commercial-aircraft.
Under the new rules, entities involved in the design, production, and operation of medium and large civil unmanned aircraft must obtain airworthiness certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). However, exemptions have been carved out for the consumer market. Micro and light drones, typically under 250g and 4kg respectively, are exempt from airworthiness certification, though they remain subject to operational restrictions.
Building on previous interim rules, the law enforces a strict real-name registration system backed by technical mandates. Drones must now be technically incapable of taking off unless they have been activated and registered. This requirement effectively functions as a “kill switch” for non-compliant hardware.
Additionally, the law mandates real-time data transmission. During flight, drones must continuously transmit identification, location, and status data to authorities, facilitating a centralized surveillance network for low-altitude airspace. To address the global issue of airport disruptions, the law explicitly prohibits activities that interfere with the “airport electromagnetic environment.” This includes a strict ban on laser devices and signal-jamming equipment near airfields. Furthermore, civil airports are now legally required to possess capabilities to detect and neutralize unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicles.
Beyond the drone sector, the revised Civil Aviation Law also strengthens protections for passengers on traditional commercial-aircraft flights. The legislation standardizes compensation responsibilities for both domestic and international carriers.
Airlines are now mandated to provide “appropriate measures,” such as care or compensation, for delays and cancellations caused by internal factors, including maintenance issues or crew scheduling. The law also requires carriers to inform passengers of the specific reasons for delays in a timely manner, improving information transparency.
The passage of this law marks a significant divergence between Chinese and Western regulatory philosophies regarding airspace management. While the United States (via the FAA) and the European Union focus on Remote ID for local identification and safety, China is implementing a highly centralized, networked system.
The requirement for real-time data transmission and the technical ability to ground unregistered drones suggests a system where the state maintains granular visibility and control over low-altitude traffic. For global manufacturers like DJI, this creates a bifurcated compliance landscape: one set of firmware and data protocols for the domestic Chinese market, and another for international exports.
Furthermore, the explicit inclusion of “medium and large” aircraft certification pathways is a regulatory win for eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) companies like EHang. By clarifying the path to airworthiness, the law removes ambiguity that has previously slowed the commercialization of autonomous passenger-carrying vehicles.
When does the new law take effect? Will hobbyist drones require certification? What happens if a drone is not registered? Sources: Reuters, Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), Xinhua News Agency
China Passes Revised Aviation Law to Regulate Drones and Low-Altitude Economy
Formalizing the “Low-Altitude Economy”
Key Regulatory Provisions
Airworthiness and Exemptions
The “Kill Switch” and Real-Name Registration
Airport Safety Measures
Consumer Rights in Commercial Aviation
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The revised Civil Aviation Law will officially come into force on July 1, 2026.
Micro and light drones (generally under 250g and 4kg) are exempt from the complex airworthiness certification process required for larger commercial-aircraft, but they must still adhere to real-name registration and operational rules.
Under the new technical mandates, unregistered drones will be technically restricted from taking off. Manufacturers must ensure their products require activation linked to a real-name registration before flight is possible.
Photo Credit: Montage
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