Royal Mail has just announced: as part of a broader plan to deploy more than 500 drones to transport letters and parcels to remote areas of the country, it plans to open 50 drone based postal delivery routes over the next three years** According to the official announcement, in the initial stage, the project will cover Shetland, Orkney, Hebrides and isles of Scilly.
Flight test data map of North Ronaldsay / North Ronaldsay (from: royalmail website)
In fact, as early as last year, the 507 year old public service organization had selected to conduct the first UAV postal delivery flight test between Cornwall county and the islands 30 miles south.
Since then, Royal Mail has also conducted project tests between the Isle of Mull and Orkney Islands in Scotland.
Before take-off of Mar Island test
It is reported that most of the work was assigned by royal mail to skyports, a drone delivery and air rental infrastructure company, which tried to transport medical materials to the remote destination (MAR Island) in the early stage of covid-19 pandemic.
After obtaining the approval from the civil aviation authority, Royal Mail will gradually start using more than 50 designated UAV routes in the next few months. Partners involved in the early test also include windracers, a UAV manufacturing and service provider.
Test drone arrives at Mar Island
The company's 10 meter long fixed wing UAV can carry up to 100 kilograms of payload within 70 miles. Last month, the aircraft also tested a 50 kilometer one-way flight between Orkney and unst.
On Thursday, Royal Mail revealed its plans for the next three years, aiming to have about 200 drones deliver mail on the first 50 air routes. After that, the agency will deploy 500 drones and deliver letters and parcels to all corners of the UK.
Siley islands / Isle of Scilly test data chart
Simon Thompson, chief executive of Royal Mail, said:
Compared with the commonly used mail ships, trucks and helicopters, the delivery efficiency of UAV is more efficient and affordable.
No matter where customers are and what the weather is, Royal Mail is committed to delivering on time to fulfill its commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of public services.
And no matter whether you travel around or not, the carbon emissions consumed by delivering each package will also be kept to a minimum.
Dronedj added: as an effective way to alleviate road congestion and promote traffic modernization, the UK government and aviation authorities have been looking forward to general public acceptance and promote the use of UAVs and next-generation EV vehicles.
Finally, Stephen Wright, a senior executive of wingracers, believes that through efficient cooperation with royal mail, this will help other government and enterprise customers to bring broad appeal to drone delivery.