Unifly Acquires Swiss Drone Advisory SORA Consulting to Expand European Footprint

Why It Matters

The acquisition gives Unifly a competitive edge in Europe’s fast‑growing drone market by reducing regulatory friction and expanding its service portfolio, crucial for scaling advanced operations like BVLOS and urban deliveries.

Key Takeaways

• Unifly acquires Swiss SORA Consulting
• Adds Swiss regulatory expertise to Unifly
• Expands Unifly presence in DACH region
• Enhances support for BVLOS and complex missions
• Aims to reduce approval delays across Europe

Pulse Analysis

The European unmanned aerial system (UAS) sector is entering a phase of rapid commercialization, driven by demand for beyond‑visual‑line‑of‑sight (BVLOS) flights, infrastructure inspection, and last‑mile delivery. Unifly, known for its cloud‑based UTM platform that connects regulators, operators, and airspace stakeholders, has been building a network of local consulting arms to complement its technology. By acquiring SORA Consulting, Unifly not only gains a seasoned advisory team but also secures a foothold in Switzerland, a market renowned for stringent aviation regulations and a gateway to the DACH economies. This synergy positions Unifly to offer end‑to‑end solutions that blend digital airspace management with hands‑on regulatory navigation.

Regulatory complexity remains the primary bottleneck for advanced drone operations in Europe. SORA Consulting specializes in the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) methodology, providing mission‑level risk analysis, approval documentation, and training that satisfy national aviation authorities. Integrating this capability enables Unifly to pre‑validate flight plans, streamline submissions, and mitigate the risk of delayed authorizations. Operators seeking BVLOS corridors, flights over crowds, or operations in restricted zones will benefit from faster, more consistent approvals, accelerating time‑to‑market for sectors such as construction monitoring, security patrols, and drone‑in‑a‑box logistics.

Strategically, the acquisition reinforces Unifly’s ambition to become the European standard‑bearer for UTM services. Competitors are racing to bundle technology with regulatory expertise, but Unifly’s combined offering now covers the entire mission lifecycle—from airspace booking to post‑flight compliance. As European regulators push for harmonized frameworks under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), firms with deep local insight will capture the most lucrative contracts. Unifly’s expanded DACH presence, powered by SORA’s expertise, is poised to drive market share growth and set a benchmark for integrated drone operations across the continent.

Deal Summary

UAS traffic management provider Unifly announced the acquisition of Swiss‑based SORA Consulting, a specialist advisory firm for advanced drone operations. The deal integrates SORA Consulting into Unifly Consulting, bolstering Unifly’s regulatory expertise and local presence across Switzerland and the DACH region.