A leading communications company and other businesses could soon be using the skies above Reading as a 'drone super highway' on a permanent basis in the near future.

BT, the leading broadband and mobile company is well known for its connectivity services.

It is also working on a number of drone solutions, which include flight management and defence against drones used by 'rogue' operators.

The company, along with drone innovators Altitude Angel, The UK Drone Association and other businesses have united for 'Project Skyway' which will 'pave the way for commercial drone flights'.

The project began last year with drones flying above the skies of Reading, Oxfordshire and Coventry.

A core aim of the project is to allow for longer drone flights, as currently, drones can typically only fly a limited distance from the person controlling them, within their visual line of sight.

The innovations of Project Skyway would allow drones to perform a number of functions, which could include assisting emergency services and utility companies to inspect damage to critical infrastructure such as power lines and railway tracks.

A video from Altitude Angel states: "Soon, time-sensitive transportation of medical items and organs, fire, medical and police scenarios, as well as the delivery of high value, low volume goods can start to be moved by automated drone, unlocking the vast potential of drones to transform lives and revolutionise business."

Technology also allows a 'Skyway controller' to change the flight paths of drones to prevent collisions with helicopters and other aircraft.

A CGI of a drone along the super highway in the air between Reading and Coventry.A CGI of a drone along the super highway in the air between Reading and Coventry. (Image: Project Skyway)

The extension of the project for six months was granted from July 31 to January 31, 2025, so that testing and collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) can continue.

This testing involves live flights and the services the route could provide.

Once the initial testing period is completed, a trial period is planned to commence with the CAA from Spring 2025, with commercial operations to continue from Winter next year onwards.

Project Skyway has been allowed to operate in the skies above Reading thanks to the collaboration of the borough council.

The project has also partnered with Oxfordshire County Council and Coventry City Council.

News on the project is set to be presented at a meeting of Reading Borough Council's strategic environment, planning and transport committee on Wednesday, November 20.

The council's involvement was scrutinised at a meeting in September last year.

Councillor Rob White (Green, Park), the leader of the opposition, raised a fear that decisions were being made that impact residents 'behind closed doors'.

John Ennis (Labour, Southcote), lead councillor for transport, replied the council's involvement was precisely to provide scrutiny and ensure neighbours are kept aware of developments.