by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Walker Robinson
Skyports Drone Services has partnered with RigiTech to announce the launch of an app for requesting drone deliveries. The service is available in the Yeosu region of Korea and aims to increase access to vital supplies for individuals who reside on 45 islands in the area.
Skyports Drone Services is a well-capitalized London based uncrewed drone company. They currently operate in Asia, North America, South America and Europe with a mission of increasing access to vital supplies, such as food and pharmaceuticals, through the use of UAVs.
While the first phase of the Yeosu City drone project began in June this year, this will be the first Skyports Drone Services has partnered with RigiTech to operate their inter-island flights. RigiTech is a Swiss based company with a similar goal of advancing UAV delivery solutions.
“This project is a remarkable endeavor that aligns perfectly with our vision – Creating drone delivery networks that connect remote areas and improve quality of life, anywhere in the world. Our technology has been proven and recognized for its reliability, and now it’s time for it to shine in the dynamic and forward-thinking landscape of the Yeosu region. We’re excited to join the Skyports Drone Services’ project and fleet, to work together to push the boundaries of BVLOS flights in new continents as our own team keeps growing,” said Adam Klaptocz, co-founder and CEO of RigiTech.
Residents of the islands off the coast of Yeosu, have typically been secluded from the commerce of the mainland. The app enabled drone delivery service will not only expand access to food and medicine from mainland Yeosu but offer the island residents an opportunity for them to sell their products, such as seafood, on the mainland at a more competitive price. The hope is that the increased connectivity between the islands and mainland will lead to important quality of life improvements for the numerous island communities.
The program will begin with three islands and aims to expand across the whole region over the next few years. The Yeosu government and Korean Institute of Aviation Safety Technology are supportive of the program, and with success, they may expand the service to include postal deliveries to and from the islands.
Mitchell Williams, Korea Country Manager at Skyports Drone Services, said: “Where better to launch our new partnership with RigiTech than in Skyports Drone Services’ newest market? …. The Yeosu City project has the essential ingredients we look for when launching a new project: appetite for innovation, local and governmental support, and a strong and scalable use case. Skyports Drone Services and our Korea consortium partners look forward to showing why how drone deliveries can connect remote communities in a meaningful and sustainable way.”
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Walker Robinson is a 2022 Graduate of the University of California Santa Barbara with a passion for renewable energy and emerging technologies. An early career professional experienced in both sales and development of residential and utility-scale renewable energy systems, he is delighted to be part of the drone industry.
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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