Edmonton Airport Launches Phase Two of Commercial Drone Project

Edmonton International Airport (YEG) in Canada has kicked off phase two of its commercial drone project, launching a new drone route from YEG to Montana First Nation’s Akamihk Medical Clinic in the City of Leduc. This latest development, part of a partnership with Drone Delivery Canada (DDC) and several other organizations, reportedly aims to make drone delivery a sustainable and efficient mode of transportation.

Expanding Drone Delivery Routes

The Canary drone will fly a 10.15km route from YEG to the Akamihk Medical Clinic, following rail lines. This initiative is a collaboration between YEG, DDC (with assistance from Air Canada), Apple Express, Braden Burry Expediting, Montana First Nation, the City of Leduc, and Leduc County. The goal is to transport time-sensitive products more effectively, reducing road congestion and air pollution.

YEG has been at the forefront of integrating drone logistics into its operations. In December 2021, it became Canada’s first airport to do so, and in May 2022, it began regularly scheduled commercial drone deliveries in controlled airspace. Since then, DDC’s drones have completed over 3,000 flights, covering more than 8,400km to a DroneSpot in Leduc County.

Pioneering Sustainable Transportation

This new phase expands the drone route to the City of Leduc, increasing the flight path and enhancing sustainable first- and final-mile delivery of time-critical products. According to the partners, this will be the first drone program in Canada to safely intersect with the runway glide path.

Myron Keehn, president and CEO at YEG, said, “As we continue to build demand for drone delivery, we are focused on advancing sustainable mobility solutions to first- and final-mile delivery across the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Part of our net zero commitment is creating opportunities for sustainable transportation and aviation, and we look forward to collaborating with our partners to accelerate the adoption of drone delivery to and from Edmonton International Airport and across the region.”

Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace, which recently merged with Drone Delivery Canada, commented, “We are deeply honoured to contribute to the next phase of this pioneering initiative. This landmark achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to safety and our extensive experience in the field. We take immense pride in collaborating with our partners as we continue to explore and expand the horizons of drone cargo delivery.”

Community and Business Impact

George Addai, general manager of Montana First Nation (MFN) Management, expressed excitement about the initiative, saying, “MFN Management is delighted to be part of this initiative, and we are hoping to expand our business in this space. We also believe that the findings of this project will open opportunities in using drones for low-carbon and sustainable options for goods and services delivery to remote First Nations and other rural communities in Alberta and the rest of the country.”

Nasser Syed, CEO of Apple Express Courier, stated, “We are excited to collaborate with our Edmonton partners as we explore novel approaches to meet the growing demands of our healthcare and technology customers. Cutting-edge last-mile delivery solutions are essential in exceeding client expectations today and in the evolving future.”

Heather Stewart, president of Braden Burry Expediting (BBE), added, “BBE is proud to be a part of this program and with our northern roots, the last mile is very important to us and our customers. This project opens up the opportunity for drone delivery to become a reality at project sites and communities where activity is located in and around the airstrip.”

DroneXL’s Take

This initiative highlights the growing role of drones in sustainable and efficient transportation. As seen in our recent articles on delivery by drone and drones for good, drones are increasingly being used to reduce carbon footprints and improve delivery services.

The success of YEG’s project underscores the potential for drones to revolutionize logistics and transportation, benefiting both urban and rural communities.

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