This detailed explanation of the "Drone Route Introduction Guidelines for Route Operators Version 1.1" published by the Information-technology Promotion Agency's Digital Architecture Design Center on July 14, 2025, outlines the guidelines and requirements necessary for drone route development and operation.
Background and Purpose of Drone Route Introduction
Positioned as an early harvest project of the government's "Digital Lifeline National Comprehensive Development Plan" decided in June 2024, drone routes began commercial use in Chichibu region and Hamamatsu City in March 2025. These guidelines aim to clarify standards for local governments and private operators to develop and operate drone routes with consistent quality and operational levels for nationwide deployment. They particularly emphasize ensuring drone route service quality, clarifying conformity assessment criteria for simplifying pre-approval procedures for flight permissions, and promoting nationwide deployment through interoperability.
Drone Route Configuration and Specifications
Drone routes are defined as dedicated airspace for safe and efficient unmanned aircraft flight, comprising three elements: the route itself, landing/takeoff sites, and the drone route system. Routes are established in airspace up to 150 meters above ground, with standard width of 100 meters (minimum 50 meters). Landing/takeoff sites are classified into three types - regular, simplified, and emergency - each with different functional and equipment requirements. The drone route system functions as digital infrastructure managing route information, monitoring operations, and coordinating flight plans.
Introduction Process and Business Planning
Drone route introduction requires a five-stage process: business plan creation, field surveys, stakeholder coordination, route design consideration, and system/equipment preparation. Business planning requires building revenue models premised on multi-purpose, multi-company use. Field surveys require confirming geographical safety and fostering social acceptance, while stakeholder coordination requires consensus building with local governments, landowners, and residents. Route design must establish efficient flight routes while maintaining consistency with existing aviation regulations.
Quality Management and Service Provision in Operations
Drone route operators must ensure service quality referencing JIS Y1011 "Drone Service Quality - Process Requirements for Drone Service Providers." Services include regular operation support plus emergency transport support during disasters. Operating and usage manual creation and dissemination establish safe and efficient operational systems. Security measures require comprehensive implementation covering both cybersecurity and physical security aspects.
Detailed Specifications in Appendices
The guidelines include two important appendices. Appendix 1 "Specifications and Standards for Drone Routes, Landing/Takeoff Sites, and Drone Route Systems" prescribes technical details including route demarcation processes, landing/takeoff site construction processes, and system architecture. Appendix 2 "Guide to Building Drone Route Businesses" explains business construction concepts with actual development examples. These appendices provide specific information necessary for implementation.
The article concludes that these guidelines represent important standards documents anticipating nationwide and international drone route deployment, contributing to Japan's drone industry development through use as conformity assessment criteria.