DHL, DRONAMICS collaborate for middle-mile drone delivery

July 20, 2021: DHL will partner with DRONAMICS to jointly develop solutions and offer same-day cargo drone deliveries to customers using DRONAMICS’ Black Swan drones. The first commercial flights of the same-day drone cargo services are expected to begin in 2022.

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 direction to operate on sustainable biofuels in future will play a part in helping DHL 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. We are excited to pilot the use of the Black Swan in customer operations in the near future,” said Matthias Heutger, senior vice president, global head of innovation and commercial development at DHL.

“This partnership has the potential to generate €1.86 billion to DRONAMICS’ revenues annually, with plans underway to build and operate over 4,000 cargo drones to support the partnership in the coming years,” stated Svilen Rangelov, co-founder and CEO of DRONAMICS.

As part of the agreement, DRONAMICS will provide equipment and expertise to operate the unmanned drone flights, employing staff in handling and technical roles.