Avtrain and ANRA Technologies partner to launch UK SORA automation tool to support SORA 2.5 digital applications through CAA’s DiSCO portal.
LONDON, Royal Aeronautical Society RPAAS Conference, 23rd April 2025; Avtrain and ANRA Technologies UK Ltd have announced a strategic partnership to launch the SORA-Mate platform, an automated SORA risk assessment tool for the UK drone market. The announcement aligns with the UK SORA 2.5 implementation on April 23, 2025, offering drone operators a streamlined solution for regulatory compliance based on the latest UK SORA 2.5 version to be launched in early May. Originally launched in Australia and New Zealand, SORA-Mate has now expanded with features tailored specifically to support the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) adaptation of SORA.
Meeting the UK’s Evolving Drone Regulatory Landscape
From infrastructure inspection to emergency services, drones continue to revolutionise operations across various sectors in the United Kingdom, but operators still face increasing regulatory complexity. The UK CAA is adopting JARUS SORA 2.5. The adoption represents a significant shift in how drone operations are assessed and approved, particularly for those seeking to conduct more complex missions beyond the Open category’s limitations.
With the UK SORA set to become an Accepted Means of Compliance with UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947 on April 23, drone operators require efficient solutions to navigate these new requirements. The partnership between ANRA Technologies and Avtrain addresses this need by combining ANRA’s proven technology platform with Avtrain’s deep regulatory expertise.
The UK CAA Digitising Specific Category Operations (DiSCO) project transforms the manual Operational Authorisation application process by simplifying and streamlining applications and communications with the UK CAA. SORA-Mate will enhance this process providing operators with the additional tools required to make a SORA 2.5 application, offering templates for operations manual, emergency response plan or a safety management system where required.
Simplifying Compliance for UK Drone Operators
Building on a successful model established in the Asia Pacific region—where the ANRA developed SORA-Mate app was originally deployed in partnership with Hover UAV—the platform combines advanced software with expert consulting services. Avtrain will replicate this proven approach by delivering localized UK expertise and consultation, supporting SORA-Mate’s highly automated risk assessment software to enable safe, compliant drone operations.
“Our partnership with Avtrain represents a significant advancement for the UK drone industry,” said Amit Ganjoo, Founder and CEO of ANRA Technologies. “By integrating Avtrain’s regulatory expertise with our proven SORA-Mate platform, we’re delivering a solution that simplifies compliance while ensuring the highest safety standards for UK drone operations.”
Key Features and Benefits
SORA-Mate offers several advantages for UK drone operators:
- Web-based comprehensive risk assessments aligned with UK SORA 2.5 requirements are generated, streamlining the application process with UK CAA.
- Intelligent risk analysis by automatically processing complex operational data to determine ground and air risks and identify appropriate mitigation strategies.
- Calculates and determines Specific Assurance and Integrity Levels (SAIL) and assesses the robustness of operational safety objectives.
- Provides access to significant additional services such as BVLOS Customised Procedures, SORA review prior to submission, .KML File Development, multiple templates for an Operation’s Manual, and Emergency Response Plan.
- Significantly reduces the time required to complete risk assessments.
- Ensures applications meet all CAA requirements, improving approval rates, reducing delays and increasing confidence levels in drone operators.
“At Avtrain, our mission has always been to encourage prolific drone operations while keeping the skies safe through the highest standards of training, certification and regulatory compliance,” said Julie Garland, Founder and CEO of Avtrain. “This partnership with ANRA Technologies will allow us to deliver on that mission by providing UK operators with a powerful tool that simplifies the complex regulatory landscape while maintaining rigorous safety standards.”
Timely Solution for Critical Regulatory Change
The launch of the UK adaptation of SORA-Mate was planned at a crucial time for the UK drone industry, to coincide with the UK SORA 2.5 implementation. Hence, this tool becomes an essential resource for navigating the new regulatory framework for operators planning to conduct operations in the Specific category or convert their existing Operational Safety Case (OSC) to a SORA 2.5 Operational Authorisation.
“With UK SORA 2.5 entering into force on April 23, operators need immediate solutions to adapt to the new requirements,” added Julie Garland. “SORA-Mate tool provides exactly that – a streamlined pathway to compliance that reduces administrative burden while ensuring operations meet all safety objectives with support available every step of the way.”
Availability and Support Options
The SORA-Mate tool will become available to UK drone operators in early May 2025 through flexible subscription plans. Additionally, Avtrain will provide specialised consultancy services for operators requiring additional support and training with their applications.
To introduce the platform to UK operators, ANRA and Avtrain will be at Airspace World, demonstrating the tool’s capabilities and answering questions about implementing it into existing operations. We will also host launch webinars throughout May 2025.
Visit the official website – https://www.soramate.co – for more information about the SORA-Mate platform or to register for the UK launch webinar.
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