Drone highways: realistic future or overhyped concept?

[jrios]

I’ve been reading more about drone highways, Remote ID, BVLOS, and drone traffic management.

At first, the phrase “drone highway” sounds futuristic, but I think the real idea is more practical: how do we safely manage more drones flying for mapping, inspections, delivery, public safety, and other commercial uses?

For regular pilots, I think the big questions are privacy, safety, regulation, and whether this will make flying easier or more restricted.

Do you think drone highways are a realistic next step, or is the industry getting ahead of itself?

This briefing explains the broader idea pretty well: here

 

[jrios]

I’ve been reading more about drone highways, Remote ID, BVLOS, and drone traffic management.

At first, the phrase “drone highway” sounds futuristic, but I think the real idea is more practical: how do we safely manage more drones flying for mapping, inspections, delivery, public safety, and other commercial uses?

For regular pilots, I think the big questions are privacy, safety, regulation, and whether this will make flying easier or more restricted.

I’m curious how people here see it. Do you think drone highways are a realistic next step, or is the industry getting ahead of itself?

Also, what do you think would come first in the real world: drone delivery routes, inspection corridors, public safety operations, or some kind of UTM system for commercial operators?