Toronto-based Drone Delivery Canada is partnering with Air Canada and the Edmonton International Airport to launch the world’s first airport-based, drone-delivery hub.
Edmonton Regional Airports Authority and DDC will build flight routes from EIA using the drone firm’s DroneSpot takeoff and landing zones utilizing DDC’s drone flight infrastructure.
DDC and the airport authority will implement, promote and market drone delivery services in controlled airspace.
“With ERAA, we will develop a drone logistics network centered at this world-class airport as a hub for numerous drone routes for our customers,” DDC CEO Michael Zahra said.
“We will continue to work with ERAA and Transport Canada to define particular routes, and with ERAA and Air Canada to negotiate revenue metrics and other commercial terms, to be announced in future press releases. Given the potential size and scope of this disruptive offering, revenue outlook could be significant while concurrently bringing tremendous logistical benefits to the region.”
“Together with our long-standing partnership with Air Canada, we look forward to expanding DDC’s network of customers at EIA’s Airport City, the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, and other strategic partners,” Myron Keehn, EIA VP of Air Service and Commercial Development, said.
DDC built its reputation providing UAV infrastructure to remote areas of Canada as part of a Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight Pilot Project. The Sparrow X1000 cargo drone and DDC’s proprietary FLYTE management system can be used for the transportation of medical supplies, food, automotive parts and general parcels.
Other DDC Projects
Two weeks ago, DDC announced a partnership with European logistics/transport group DSV Panalpina A/S to provide a drone-based delivery platform to the Danish conglomerate’s new Canadian air and sea division.
In February, DDC unveiled its largest and longest-range drone, the Condor. Under development over the past year, the single-rotor vehicle offers a payload of 400 pounds and can travel up to 124 miles on a tank of gas.
Last year, DDC announced a partnership with Toyota Tsusho Canada – a subsidiary of the well-known Toyota Group. The effort will see TTCI participate with DDC’s commercial pilot program in Canada for flight testing and development of international markets for drone delivery.
Jason is a longstanding contributor to DroneLife with an avid interest in all things tech. He focuses on anti-drone technologies and the public safety sector; police, fire, and search and rescue.
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