In Kenya, Swoop Aero and its partners will build an integrated drone logistics network.
Swoop Aero has collaborated with heavy air logistics provider Astral Aviation’s drone services business and drone operations partner Skyports to build a drone logistics network in Kenya. Swoop Aero will use their native technology platform and their experience operating drone logistics networks in seven countries to transfer medicines, vaccinations, and medical samples between healthcare facilities and individuals in need across Kenya, starting with lastmile delivery by the end of 2022. The first Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone flight and operation demonstration approvals were launched in close consultation with the Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority to assure safety and compliance with local rules.
Swoop Aero will use its entire technology infrastructure as well as its drone logistics experience in this latest venture, with local Kenyan experts Astral Aerial Solutions operating the network in close collaboration with drone infrastructure provider Skyports to improve access to routine and emergency medicine, vaccines, and pathology in the region.
“We’re thrilled to be expanding Swoop Aero’s service in Kenya, in collaboration with Astral Aerial Solutions and Skyports, in a first for the region.” Kenya is the 14th country where the Swoop Aero technology platform has been used to support regulatory clearances for BVLOS drone logistics. Swoop Aero will be closer to providing an integrated drone logistics solution to 100 million people by 2025 as a result of regulatory permissions and operations, according to Eric Peck, CEO of Swoop Aero.
Swoop Aero’s existing integrated logistics platform will be expanded, allowing for the transportation of medical samples and supplies with cold
chain delivery, as well as remote access operations and easy integration into the region’s existing healthcare network with minimal additional infrastructure.
“Astral Aerial Solutions, a Kenyan drone operator with a history of local aviation knowledge, will provide a worldclass healthcare solution to clients in the first and last mile, in partnership with Swoop Aero’s premier integrated drone logistics platform. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Skyports and Swoop Aero to provide lastmile delivery services in Kenya.” According to Kush Gadhia, CEO of Astral Aerial Solutions, “This alliance gives a unique opportunity to shorten delivery times and enhance accessibility to healthcare and other businesses that may utilise drone logistics in the future.”
Through this relationship, drone integration into Kenya’s healthcare system offers a huge possibility for increased access to healthcare across the country, with the capacity for scalable and long-term provision of services and supplies. Swoop Aero will develop other drone logistics applications across the country in the coming months, with initial operations focused mainly on medical supplies and the healthcare industry. The KiteTM aircraft’s inclusion to Swoop Aero’s technology platform allows for real-time tracking, capture, and analytics, as well as additional cross-industry applications such as aerial mapping and monitoring, search and rescue, and emergency response and catastrophe management.