Skyports Drone Services has announced a project in Yeosu City, Korea, designed to facilitate drone deliveries of medicine and food. This venture marks the first collaboration between Skyports Drone Services and their new drone partner, RigiTech.
Supported by various Korean governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MoLIT), the Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology (KIAST), and the Yeosu City government, this undertaking aims to enhance inter-island connectivity in the coastal region of Yeosu. This project signifies the initial stage in a series of experimental flights orchestrated by a consortium comprising Skyports Drone Services Korea, Marine Drone Tech, and RGB Lab.
This primary phase, which launched in June and will span until November, establishes a crucial airbridge between the Yeosu mainland and three islands: Gaedo, Geumodo, and Songdo. The objective throughout this five-month initiative is to validate the feasibility, safety, and advantages of drone delivery, showcasing how these services can improve the quality of life, accessibility, and connectivity for island inhabitants and local enterprises.
A pivotal feature of this service is the beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capability, allowing flights covering distances ranging from 20 to 60 kilometers. An exclusive mobile application has been devised, enabling island residents to request both the dispatch and collection of diverse cargo, such as medicine, groceries, and fresh seafood. Especially beneficial for the elderly population of the islands, this drone service offers unparalleled mainland connectivity, enhancing access to medical care, food delivery, and facilitating competitive seafood sales. Additionally, the consortium is mulling over introducing postal deliveries to further enrich connectivity.
RigiTech’s Eiger drone system, a light payload electric VTOL aircraft, will spearhead the project. Mitchell Williams, Korea Country Manager at Skyports Drone Services, voiced his enthusiasm about launching the project in their latest market and highlighted the ideal conditions that the Yeosu region offers for such an innovative venture. Adam Klaptocz, co-founder and CEO of RigiTech, echoed Williams' sentiment, emphasizing the alignment of this project with their vision of connecting remote regions to improve lives.
A representative from Yeosu City commented on the city's ambitions, highlighting the intention to lead the drone sector by bolstering drone mobility infrastructure and initiating drone logistics delivery demonstration projects.
The subsequent phase of the project will evaluate its impact, aiming to broaden the service's reach, offering it to an expanded audience on a more permanent footing.
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