The logistics giant DHL and the developer and operator of cargo drones, Dronamics, signed an agreement to jointly create a dedicated network starting in 2022, which will involve the construction of up to 4,000 «Black Swan» drones that will serve DHL.
Both companies are discussing the deployment of drones on «middle-mile» delivery logistics (which covers the route between logistics and storage centers prior to the distribution and delivery process to the customer), in specific industries and markets.
The unmanned aircraft can carry 350 kg (770 lbs) of cargo over a distance of up to 2,500 kilometers at a cost up to 80% lower than any current aircraft, allowing same-day e-commerce shipments over long distances, including pharmaceutical products and others of an urgent nature. The drones will complement the company’s express network and, in some cases, will replace outsourced smaller aircraft and ground cargo vehicles.
It has a length of 8 meters (26 ft), a wingspan of 16 meters (52 ft), a height of 4 meters (13 ft) and reaches speeds of up to 200 km/h (125 mph).
«This partnership has the potential to generate $ 2.1 billion in new revenue annually,» said Svilen Rangelov, co-founder and CEO of Dronamics.
For his part, Matthias Heutger, Senior Vice President of DHL, said that «We are constantly exploring new technologies to add value to our customers and we believe that cargo drones will be a key element in the next generation of transportation and logistics. Our collaboration will help to open opportunities for sensitive and urgent deliveries.»
DHL, as reported by our partner, Aeroin, is the second major client with which Dronamics has signed a contract of these characteristics. Three weeks ago it had done it with Hellmann Logistics to operate international cargo services starting next year.
Dronamics is based in London, UK and Sofia, Bulgaria. It was founded in 2014 by the Rangelov brothers, one an economist and the other an aerospace engineer.
