Royal Mail reveals vision for 50 postal drone routes
Summary
With a capability to fly in difficult weather conditions, the twin-engine UAV used in the trial has a wingspan of 10 metres and incorporates a high-reliability autopilot system. Royal Mail is committed to working with the CAA to ‘open up the skies,’ initially in targeted remote areas, to create permanent drone routes. Simon Thompson, Chief Executive Officer at Royal Mail, said: “On time delivery regardless of our customers location or the weather, whilst protecting our environment is our goal. Even though we go everywhere, Royal Mail already has the lowest CO emissions per parcel delivered, this initiative will help reduce our emissions even further.” Stephen Wright, Chairman at Windracers Group, said: “The middle mile of supply and logistics, especially to remote locations, has long been overlooked by the industry and is ripe for innovation. Weve spent the last five years focused on developing the most commercially viable essential logistics drones so were truly delighted to be working with Royal Mail on this ambitious and pioneering deployment of autonomous aircraft.