Skyports Drone Services and Royal Mail have announced the extension of their Orkney I-Port drone delivery project until at least February 2026, marking a significant milestone in the UK's push towards integrating drone technology into essential public services. Launched just a year ago, the project has already become the UK’s first regular commercial drone delivery service, operating under existing regulatory frameworks and setting a new standard for how drones can support critical logistics in remote areas.
The Orkney I-Port project is a trailblazer in drone operations, facilitating daily mail deliveries between Stromness on Orkney’s Mainland and the islands of Graemsay and Hoy. Over 517 flights have been completed, covering a total distance equivalent to that between London and Rome, proving the reliability and efficiency of drones in all weather conditions. This service not only improves connectivity and safety but also demonstrates how technology can enhance service delivery in rural and remote regions.
The extension of the Orkney project comes at a time when the UK drone delivery market is gaining momentum, supported by a proactive regulatory environment. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been working on frameworks that allow for more extensive Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations, which are crucial for scaling up commercial drone deliveries. The UK government’s initiatives, such as the Future Flight Challenge, are also playing a pivotal role in funding innovative projects and setting safety and quality standards that ensure the safe integration of drones into the national airspace.
Funded by the UK Space Agency’s Connectivity for Remote Orkney Future Transport (CROFT) initiative, the project is also exploring the integration of 5G technologies to further enhance drone operations in challenging environments. This next phase will include key upgrades to both hardware and software, allowing the drones to operate in harsher winter conditions. Additionally, the drones will now be operated remotely from Skyports’ state-of-the-art Remote Operations Centre in Aylesbury, streamlining operations and reducing the need for on-site staff in Orkney.
The extension of the Orkney project reflects the broader growth of drone logistics in the UK, a sector that has been rapidly expanding with the support of government initiatives and increasing interest from major companies. For Royal Mail, this project is a crucial step in meeting its Universal Service Obligation by providing quicker, more reliable, and environmentally friendly deliveries to remote communities.
“The Orkney flights with Royal Mail showcase the potential of long-term drone operations,” said Alex Brown, Director of Skyports Drone Services. “This project highlights the critical role that new aviation technologies can play in supporting public services, and we’re excited to explore how 5G can further enhance our operations.”
As the longest-running drone delivery project in the UK, the Orkney I-Port serves as a model for future drone services, particularly in remote and rural areas where traditional logistics face significant challenges. The success of this project underscores the potential for drones to revolutionize not just mail delivery but a wide range of services, from healthcare to emergency response.
With the project now extended through 2026, Skyports and Royal Mail are set to continue their leadership in the drone delivery space, leveraging the latest technology to improve service delivery and pave the way for future innovations in the UK and beyond.