Skyports Drone Services has announced a new partnership with Brazilian drone manufacturer Speedbird Aero for the Orkney I-Port operation, marking a significant step in the company's drone delivery services. The collaboration involves Royal Mail, Orkney Islands Council Harbour Authority, and Loganair, with the project aimed at improving inter-island mail delivery.
Speedbird Aero's DLV-2 aircraft will be added to Skyports Drone Services’ world-class fleet. The electric multirotor drone, boasting a payload capacity of 6kg and a range of up to 16km, will be used initially for a three-month period to conduct inter-island delivery flights for Royal Mail.
Selected for its large payload volume and ability to handle the challenging weather and geography of Orkney, the DLV-2 is uniquely suited to the task. Royal Mail's delivery services in Orkney can be hindered by interruptions in the ferry schedule due to poor weather. The DLV-2, however, can fly in weather conditions that exceed the upper limits of the Orkney inter-island ferry, making it an optimal choice for ensuring continuous service.
Speedbird Aero's DLV-2The collaboration marks the latest effort by Skyports Drone Services to expand and consolidate its fleet to meet growing market demand. Earlier this year, the company onboarded Pyka Pelican Cargo, reinforcing its commitment to innovation in drone logistics, surveying, and monitoring.
“Our approach to fleet development is to onboard a select number of vehicle providers that can match market growth, scale with us, and meet the requirements of the locations in which we operate,” said Alex Brown, Director, Skyports Drone Services. He further emphasized the alignment of values and quality between Speedbird and Skyports Drone Services, citing the Orkney I-Port project as an ideal starting point for the partnership.
Manoel Coelho, CEO of Speedbird Aero, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting its potential to pave the way for "a greener and more connected future."
The Orkney I-Port flights will operate under existing regulatory frameworks, allowing potential extension beyond the initial three months. In addition to its use in Orkney, the DLV-2 will be deployed in logistics and delivery projects across other Skyports Drone Services markets.
The announcement signals an exciting development in the utilization of drones for everyday logistics, exemplifying technological advancements and the increasing role of automation in delivery services.
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