When we think of global trade, we think of massive container ships, perhaps barges or cargo planes and, of course, huge trucks on our motorways. But what about drones?
You may have seen news articles on drones being developed for the ‘last mile’ delivery of small parcels to your doorstep, but longer-range drone technology is emerging as the next big innovation for global trade. And Europe is playing a leading role in its development.
Cargo drones can provide fuel-efficient, same-day, cross-border and medium- or long-haul cargo delivery.
For these reasons, innovators are looking to operate a fleet of drones from a network of drone ports across Europe. The system will initially serve non-hub, remote, or underserved communities, creating local manufacturing and jobs.
These novel drones were designed and developed in Europe and can carry a 350 kg payload – roughly similar to a small delivery van – for up to 2 500 km.
Significantly, the drones only need 400 metres of runway to take off or land. This means that more than 3 000 airstrips in the EU could host one of the networks of standardised low-cost drone ports that will use automated flight control systems.
The innovators claim that the drones are up to 90% more affordable to produce and run than alternative services, will enable international same-day deliveries at a cost of only €5 or less per kilo, and will reduce CO2 emissions by up to 60%.
Following initial trials of the service, which took place from a drone port in Bulgaria, the network will be expanded across the EU, with the first ones planned in Greece.
The new drone service, called Dronamics, is licensed to operate in Europe. The cargo drone airline is looking to work with e-commerce, the pharmaceutical sector and other businesses that need to supply urgent shipments at short notice.
The innovators are already partnering with some of the major logistics players in Europe to supply them with thousands of drones and are ready to create a new market for drone-based ‘middle-mile’ delivery right now.