The essential role of quantitative data in the new SORA 2.5 BVLOS drone framework

How SORA 2.5 improves scalability

As the industry adapts to a new regulatory era, the shift from SORA 2.0 to 2.5 marks a definitive end to the experimental phase of uncrewed aviation. Effective March 2026, the era of subjective risk assessment has reduced significantly, replaced by a rigorous, data-driven methodology formalised under EASA ED Decision 2025/018/R. This regulatory pivot, officially published in the EASA Official Publication of September 2025, mandates the transition to the SORA 2.5 framework for all new operational authorisation applications. By anchoring this shift in a clear legislative timeline, the industry moves away from localised interpretations and toward a unified, pan-European safety standard.

This transition is a critical moment for every drone delivery business and professional operator in the Specific Category, marking the shift from experimental flights to a fully industrialised aviation sector. For executives and flight managers, this regulatory update is the key requirement for scaling operations across borders.

At Murzilli Consulting, an international, Swiss-based global aviation consultancy, we specialise in navigating the complexities of the SORA 2.5 methodology. This guide mirrors our deep industry expertise to deliver the technical clarity and strategic insights required to execute the 2026 methodology, offering a definitive roadmap for scaling operations under the updated regulatory framework.

What is SORA 2.5 and why does it matter?

The SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) is the global methodology for securing a specific category application process. It is the methodology used to prove to authorities that a BVLOS drone flight can be conducted safely. While version 2.0 provided a foundational concept, it often left operators facing a regulatory lottery due to qualitative, subjective descriptions that varied by country.

SORA 2.5 addresses these inconsistencies by introducing a quantitative model designed to eliminate ambiguity. Luis Antolín Sáinz, Senior UAS Regulatory and Safety Expert at Murzilli Consulting, notes that while the previous version lacked robust statistical data on the ground, EASA’s move to this numerical model improves consistency and scalability across Member States. However, he highlights that the evolution of the framework is ongoing: "There is still room for improvement in the identification and analysis of population density, particularly when it comes to incorporating dynamic population density assessments. That said, the industry is progressively advancing in this area."

By shifting to this data-driven approach, SORA 2.5 provides the technical rigour necessary to transform uncrewed aviation from experimental flights into a fully industrialised sector.

Ground risk standardisation and 100m precision

A defining change in SORA 2.5 is the approach to Step 2, the Intrinsic Ground Risk Class (iGRC). To solve the critical friction point of inconsistent ground risk data across borders, the framework now mandates a transition toward high-resolution, harmonised datasets. While the official EASA Population Density Map (powered by JRC and Copernicus data) is the primary recommendation for standardisation across Europe, the methodology allows for the use of regional high-fidelity tools. In specific jurisdictions, operators may utilise advanced datasets such as the Federal Geoportal in Switzerland to achieve the required precision.

By providing these quantitative datasets, the industry has eliminated the need for operators to negotiate subjective population estimates with local authorities, creating a predictable and level playing field for every Specific Category application.

Historically, risk was calculated using residential census data, essentially accounting for official residents and individuals legally registered within the primary residential zones. In 2026, the focus has changed to a dynamic model of where people are actually present. As Luis explains, operational risk is now determined by real-time human exposure on the ground rather than official residency alone. By integrating satellite imagery and socio-economic data, the new 100x100m resolution maps target both resident and mobile populations, such as commuters and industrial workers, who were previously invisible to static residential datasets.

Luis further notes that there are other sophisticated approaches to estimating population density that move beyond static representations. These include predictive models based on historical movement patterns and near real-time estimations derived from aggregated mobile network data. By quantifying device connections across various antennas, these tools provide a significantly more dynamic and accurate picture of human presence, allowing for a higher degree of precision in risk assessment.

This granular data is integrated directly within the ArcGIS Map Viewer to extract precise inhabitants-per-square-kilometre values for the Flight Geography and its associated buffers. For the operator, this replaces subjective qualitative descriptions with undeniable quantitative facts, bringing much-needed rigour to the SORA process. Such advanced airspace digitalisation empowers the entire uncrewed aviation ecosystem, from logistics providers and utility inspectors to UTM developers and insurers, to engage in precise path-finding. By identifying low-density corridors even within complex environments, stakeholders can strategically select routes that minimise the iGRC. This transition effectively reduces the need for costly safety mitigations, significantly lowering the barrier to entry and the overall cost of BVLOS drone operations.

Efficiency of splitting responsibilities

SORA 2.5 officially splits the burden of proof among the UAS Operator, the Design Organisation, and the training organisations. This is a strategic differentiator for consulting solutions for aviation companies. Under these rules, responsibilities are more clearly defined, particularly when justifying and demonstrating compliance with the Operational Safety Objectives (OSOs).

The consultants at Murzilli Consulting note that the split is improving efficiency. Manufacturers know the aircraft in depth and have better access to critical technical data, which allows them to support compliance more effectively. This complements the focus of the operators on operational procedures, flight tasks, flight logs and maintenance, enabling standardisation and a more streamlined approval process. For high-risk missions at SAIL IV and above, requirements demand increasing levels of effort and resources: SAIL IV is expected to require a design verification report, while SAIL V and SAIL VI will require a type certification.

Expanding the global market from Europe to Asia

For companies looking beyond the EU, SORA 2.5 offers a significant strategic differentiator. Samson Wong, Senior Consultant for Operational Authorisation at Murzilli Consulting, points out that an increasing number of countries now accept SORA as their risk assessment methodology. Many non-EASA regulators in the Middle East and Asia are already familiar with the framework. This allows operators to use the same safety arguments with only minor local adjustments, saving immense time and cost.

Moreover, the replacement of the Concept of Operations (ConOps) with Detailed Operational Information has simplified cross-border work. Paula Fernandez de Aragon Mostacero, Flight Authorisation Consultant at Murzilli Consulting, highlights that this standardised format creates consistent expectations for drone regulators, making it easier to transfer a permit from one Member State to another.

How Murzilli Consulting secures your authorisation

As one of the leading digital aviation firms, Murzilli Consulting provides a bridge between complex innovation in aviation and regulatory reality. Our team offers:

• SORA 2.5 Strategy - We manage the entire consulting for the regulatory approval process, from Step 1 to the final Safety Portfolio.
• SAIL IV and DVR Support - We provide the high-level technical expertise required to obtain Design Verification Reports (DVR) for complex operations.
• CE Marking and Product Compliance – We guide manufacturers and operators through the specific testing, documentation, and certification requirements necessary to achieve the appropriate CE Class Markings (C0-C6).
• U-space and UTM Certification - We manage the airspace consultancy required for integrated operations in dense urban environments.
• Drone Training - We educate your team on the technicalities of SORA 2.5 to ensure long-term drone endurance.

Advanced air mobility business for 2026

The drone industry has shifted from ad-hoc testing to regulated operations. It is a structured sector of uncrewed aviation that demands technical rigour. The team concludes that if an executive needs to understand only one thing about the 2026 landscape, it is that you need proper tools to accurately assess ground and air risk for each location.

Whether you are launching a drone delivery business or developing an eVTOL drone for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), SORA 2.5 is your roadmap to success. With the right drone strategy and the expertise of Murzilli Consulting, operational scalability is within immediate reach. It is an opportunity for sustainable, scalable growth.

Are you ready for SORA 2.5?

Contact Murzilli Consulting today for a comprehensive audit of your BVLOS drone operations and ensure your business is compliant for 2026 and onwards. For a detailed overview of our methodology and services, download the brochure here.