Beyond BYOI: how shared-use infrastructure enables high-value drone operations

Imagine if every trucking company had to build its own roads or if every airline had to construct its own airports transportation as we know it would grind to a halt. Yet, in the drone industry, operators are still expected to "bring your own infrastructure" (BYOI) to access the airspace. This approach is slow, expensive, and inefficient, limiting drone innovation. The solution? A shared-use network that ensures safe and scalable BVLOS operations.

Aviation infrastructure has always been shared—why should drones be any different? Thales is leading the way in integrated BVLOS solutions, ensuring drones can operate safely and efficiently alongside traditional air traffic.

The challenges of "Bring Your Own Infrastructure" (BYOI) in drone operations

For commercial drones to operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), they need reliable navigation, communication, and safety systems. However, under the current BYOI model, drone operators must individually develop and deploy their own infrastructure a major barrier to industry growth.

Why is BYOI failing the drone industry?

• Slow Deployment: Developing custom airspace solutions takes years.
• High Costs: Infrastructure investment runs into the millions.
• Lack of Standardization: With each operator designing its own system, safety risks increase.

"Requiring every drone operator to develop their own infrastructure is inefficient and unsustainable," explains Thales’ UAS integration team. "A shared-use model ensures safe and scalable BVLOS operations while reducing costs for operators."

North Dakota’s vision: a statewide BVLOS network

Recognizing the economic and social benefits of drones, North Dakota has invested in Vantis, the United States’ first shared-use UAS network.

What is Vantis?

• A statewide network of UAS-enabling technologies.
• Physical and virtual infrastructure to support safe and repeatable drone flights.
• Integrated with existing airspace operations to maintain safety.

Vantis has already supported over 125 UAS and 25 manned aircraft test flights, with continued expansion planned across the state.

"North Dakota is positioning itself as a leader in UAS operations," says a Vantis project lead. "By investing in shared-use infrastructure, the state is reducing barriers for commercial drone operators and unlocking new economic opportunities."

Thales: architecting the future of BVLOS operations

At the end of 2021, North Dakota selected Thales as the long-term systems integrator for Vantis.

Why Thales?

• Expertise in Airspace Integration: Two out of three aircraft worldwide operate with Thales solutions.
• Proven Leadership in cybersecurity, telecom, and digital identity.
• Deep Experience in Air Traffic Management (ATM), Avionics, and CNS Technologies.

Thales has developed the BVLOS Blueprint, a step-by-step guide for authorities to design and implement shared-use UAS networks.

"The BVLOS Blueprint helps national and regional authorities unlock the full economic and social benefits of drones," explains a Thales airspace integration expert.