Cargo drone manufacturer DRONAMICS has announced that it is partnering with logistics giant DHL Deutsche Post to provide middle-mile drone deliveries.
DRONAMICS, who claim “same-day shipping should be a human right”, have created an autonomous aircraft that is said to be extremely fuel efficient. Named the “The Black Swan”, it can transport 350 KG over 2,500 KM for a cost that DRONAMICS says is 50%+ lower than other airplanes.
Founded in 2014 by the Rangelov brothers, an economist and an aerospace engineer, DRONAMICS says it is now home to some of the world’s top aerospace and logistics experts. It is also a winner of the IATA’s Drone Innovation Award.
The company’s drones are now set to be used by DHL following this week’s announcement of a partnership between the two parties.
In a statement on its website, DRONAMICS said that the two companies are discussing mutual exclusivity for middle-mile drone deliveries in selected industries and markets. In addition, DRONAMICS’ goal to become carbon-negative by 2027 and direction to operate on sustainable biofuels in future will play a part in helping DHL achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
Svilen Rangelov, Co-Founder and CEO of DRONAMICS, said he was “incredibly excited” by the deal:
“We are incredibly excited that DRONAMICS has been selected by DHL, the world’s largest logistics provider as their first middle-mile drone partner, with a partnership that provides mutual exclusivity in selected industries and markets. This partnership has the potential to generate €1.86 Bn to DRONAMICS’ revenues annually, with plans underway to build and operate over 4,000 cargo drones to support the partnership in the coming years”
Meanwhile, Matthias Heutger, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Innovation & Commercial Development at DHL, described DRONAMICS as a a “pioneer and leader in the field of cargo drones”:
“Innovation is a key part of DHL’s DNA. We are constantly exploring new technologies to bring value to our customers, and we believe that cargo drones will be an element in the next generation of transportation in logistics. DRONAMICS is a pioneer and leader in the field of cargo drones and our collaboration will help to open up opportunities for urgent, sensitive and time-critical deliveries. We are excited to pilot the use of the Black Swan in customer operations in the near future”
Photo credit: DRONAMICS