Largest Part 135 Airline in the US Invests in Cargo Drones: Ameriflight Signs Deal with Sabrewing

Ameriflight Signs Intent to Purchase Agreement with Sabrewing Air Cargo Drone Fleet

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby

Ameriflight has announced a signed letter of intent to purchase 35 of Sabrewing Aircraft Company’s VTOL air cargo drones. The agreement is for the Rhaegal-A aircraft, or “Alpha”, the market-leading cargo UAV with the highest fuel and maintenance efficiency.

The purchase agreement will allow for Ameriflight’s entry into new business opportunities in distribution center logistics. The aircraft’s VTOL capabilities to carry more than a ton of cargo will assist Ameriflight customers in developing a faster and more efficient warehouse distribution network. This will be a complementary service for Ameriflight, and will not replace their current operations.

“In looking to the future, adding this advanced aircraft to our portfolio will complement our fleet and increase our assortment of assets, allowing us to expand our service areas through the development of warehouse distribution operations,” said Ameriflight President and COO Alan Rusinowitz. “With a payload capability of 2,000+ pounds, the Rhaegal-A is perfectly suited for the medium lift category operation. Sabrewing’s record-setting technology guiding Rhaegal-A as the world’s first autonomous cargo aircraft capable of both vertical and conventional take-off is an incredible milestone, and we are excited to partner with them on this new fleet.”

“We’re committed to developing advanced, versatile, and efficient air cargo solutions with our best-in-class Rhaegal aircraft that maximize on long range, payload capacity, and sustainable fuel efficiency to successfully deliver on a range of cargo missions,” said Sabrewing CEO Ed De Reyes. “We’re excited to be at the forefront of autonomous innovation and to have Ameriflight at our side, with this new agreement marking the Alpha’s first American launch customer.”

Last September, the Rhaegal-A aircraft completed its first hover flight while lifting a record-setting payload of 829 pounds. Sabrewing is currently initiating the aircraft’s production line, with first deliveries anticipated for the first quarter of 2024. The Rhaegal-A aircraft uses sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), lowering carbon emissions by up to 80%, all while maintaining the efficiency to deliver cargo four times faster than ground delivery and the ability to land in locations other aircraft cannot. The new fleet will be leveraged to assist with Ameriflight’s new business opportunities, mainly for its expedited supply chain services.

This is Ameriflight’s second agreement to purchase autonomous aircraft after signing with Natilus last month for the purchase of its Kona UAV. Ameriflight aims to utilize both fleet types jointly with its current operation.

Read more:

• Sabrewing Captures Almost $2M in VC Funding for VTOL Drone Prototype
• SkyDrive Funding: Japanese Flying Car and Cargo Drone Company Scores More than $66 Million
• BVLOS Cargo Drone Delivery Approved in Senegal: Could the Concept of Sky Lanes Work Anywhere?
• Long Range Cargo Drones: Volansi Joins 3 FAA BEYOND Projects

Ian attended Dominican University of California, where he received a BA in English in 2019. With a lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and a keen interest in technology, he is now contributing to DroneLife as a staff writer.