The world’s first cargo drone airline Dromatics is exploring same-day delivery solutions with Emirates Post Group (EPG). The companies have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) which they hope will transform logistics solutions through drone capabilities in the UAE.
The collaboration will start with a trial of Dronamics’ cargo drone service to enable same-day middle-mile and long-range deliveries.
Group chief executive of EPG Abdulla Mohammed Alashram says both companies are dedicated to enhancing cargo delivery speed by deploying state-of-the-art drone technology. “This partnership represents a significant milestone in the advancement of autonomous cargo drone transportation,” says Alashram.
Long-range cargo delivery
In November 2022, Dromatics received a €2.5 million grant from the European Commission under the prestigious European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program. The grant supports the development and roll-out of its cargo drone fleet.
The inspiration for starting Dromatics came after two brothers Konstantin and Svilen Rangelov’s desire to find a quicker and more cost-effective way of delivering cargo. Dromatics is a leading developer and operator of large, long-range drones built specifically for cargo. Its operations encompass drone aircraft design, construction, operation, and the creation of Droneports.
In May 2023, the company completed the first flight of its flagship aircraft, Black Swan. It has a cargo capacity of 350kg with a range of 2,500 kilometers. This is equivalent to New York City to Austin, all of Europe, all of the Caribbean, Hong Kong to Osaka, and Dubai to New Delhi. Black Swan is remotely piloted, suitable for long-range cargo delivery.
Unique drone technology
The companies will work together to develop a drone network in the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which brings together six Arab nations, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Once the pilot is successful, EPG plans to integrate this technology into its logistics network.
CEO and founder of Svilen Rangelov says partnering with EPG will allow Dromatics to expand its service in the Middle East and UAE. “Through this agreement, we will look to implement our unique middle-mile cargo drone technology on the UAE market in service of EPG, its customers, and its universal service mandate – an important step to achieving our vision of enabling same-day delivery for everyone everywhere,” says Rangelov.
Dromatics in Australia
In August 2023, the company appointed Gavin Gomes as general manager for Dromatics Australia. “Australia has demonstrated an enormous appetite for what Dronamics can offer – faster, more affordable, lower emissions freight, connecting underserved and remote communities and businesses through cargo drone logistics,” says Rangelov.
Markets and Markets, in its drone market forecast 2030, says packages delivered through drones help cut down CO2 emissions. “Future drone use in logistics operations is viewed as a huge opportunity by the middle-mile delivery sector,” says the report.
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About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
