The US Department of Transportation, with the FAA’s new proposal, aims to standardize BVLOS operations to unlock the commercial potential of the sector and affirm national technological leadership, overcoming the current system of individual waivers

A revolution is looming in the American skies. The US Administration has given a strong acceleration to the race toward the future of commercial deliveries, unveiling a proposed regulation destined to radically change operations with drone aircraft. In an announcement issued yesterday, August 5, 2025, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy (see statement released today by the FAA), revealed the details of a new regulatory framework developed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for "Beyond Visual Line of Sight" (BVLOS) operations, meaning those conducted by unmanned aircraft beyond the direct visual line of the operator.

The move is strategic and aims to dismantle the current cumbersome system that hinders large-scale sector development. So far, companies wishing to use drones for deliveries of packages, food, or medicines over long distances had to request exemptions and specific authorizations for each individual case. "These provisions were approved on a case-by-case basis, and the process was cumbersome", admitted an FAA spokesperson, describing a procedure that has limited innovation and scalability of services.

The new regulatory architecture, as outlined in an official FAA release (which we publish below, Editor’s note), intends to create a clear and standardized pathway for all. The programmatic document defines detailed requirements ranging from the manufacturing of the aircraft themselves to operational safety procedures, including systems to safely maintain separation between drones and other aircraft, cybersecurity protocols, registration obligations, and data-sharing requirements.

The government's enthusiasm was expressed in strong terms by Secretary Duffy himself. "We are eliminating the complicated patchwork of drone regulations that stifles innovation in commercial aviation", he declared. "Our new regulatory framework, published today, will unleash the American drone domain". A statement of intent positioning the new regulation not just as a bureaucratic simplification but as a cornerstone of the country’s industrial and technological policy.

The initiative immediately garnered support from the main players in the sector. Amazon, a pioneer in logistics and for years engaged in developing its "Prime Air" delivery program, welcomed the proposal. In a statement, the e-commerce giant highlighted how the new rule represents a fundamental step to enable more companies to implement simple and safe drone delivery services, ultimately benefiting consumers. The standardization of rules will indeed allow planning investments and operations on secure bases, accelerating the spread of a service that promises to be fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Thus, the path opens toward a future where receiving a package from the sky will become the norm.

Below, in the "Forbes Breaking News" video, Secretary Duffy unveils the details of the new drone regulation alongside FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.