BNSF Railway Expands Drone Operations with New Lobbying Effort

BNSF Railway Company has hired Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld to lobby on issues related to “U.S. drone security solution,” signaling an expansion of its already robust drone program. This move comes as the rail giant continues to leverage unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for infrastructure inspection and incident response.

Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations

BNSF has been at the forefront of Drone Technology adoption in the rail industry. The company has secured a novel Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) waiver allowing it to fly drones beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS). This capability significantly enhances the range and efficiency of drone operations for infrastructure inspection and monitoring.

Lobbying for Drone Security

The hiring of Akin Gump suggests that BNSF is looking to address drone security concerns as it expands its UAV operations. Charlie Johnson, a former law clerk on the Democratic staff of the House Judiciary Committee, will be working on the account, bringing valuable legislative experience to the table.

Expanding Drone Applications

BNSF has been utilizing drones for various purposes, including:

1. Infrastructure inspection
2. Incident response and assessment
3. Asset monitoring

The company’s investment in lobbying efforts indicates a commitment to further developing and securing its drone operations.

DroneXL’s Take

The rail industry’s adoption of drone technology continues to accelerate, with BNSF Railway leading the charge. This development aligns with recent trends in drone inspection across various industries. As companies like BNSF push the boundaries of what’s possible with UAVs, we’re likely to see more innovative applications and regulatory changes to accommodate these advancements.

The focus on drone security is particularly noteworthy, as it addresses a critical concern in the widespread adoption of UAV technology. As drone operations become more complex and widespread, ensuring their secure integration into existing infrastructure will be paramount.

Photo courtesy of BNSF Railway

What are your thoughts on BNSF’s expansion of drone operations and their focus on security? Share your opinions in the comments below.

The featured image is for illustration purposes only.