Dronamics, the middle-mile cargo drone developer and operator, has singed a partnership agreement with logistics company DHL.
The two companies say they will jointly develop solutions and offer same-day cargo drone deliveries to customers using Dronamics’ drone delivery network and its Black Swan drones. Both 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 operate on sustainable biofuels in future will, says DHL, play a part in helping achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
“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,” said Matthias Heutger, SVP, global head of innovation and commercial development, DHL.
“We are incredibly excited 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 €1.86bn (US$2.19bn) to revenues annually, with plans underway to build and operate over 4,000 cargo drones to support the partnership in the coming years,” added Svilen Rangelov, co-founder and CEO of the company.
The partnership aims to combine the middle-mile cargo drones with DHL’s first- and last-mile services. As part of the agreement, Dronamics will provide equipment and expertise to operate the unmanned drone flights, employing staff in handling and technical roles. The first commercial flights of the same-day drone cargo services are expected to begin in 2022.