Melbourne-based drone logistics company Swoop Aero has obtained BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line Of Sight) approval for medical logistics operations in Queensland.
The approval from Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) allows Swoop Aero to operate in a fully integrated airspace with an aerodrome based hub at the local airport in Goondiwindi. Rather than operating in controlled airspace the integration will enable access to safe and sustainable drone logistics across the whole area. The network will overcome distance as a barrier to healthcare access for surrounding regional communities and make access to health convenient.
“Today is a proud milestone for Swoop Aero,” said CEO and co-founder Eric Peck. “The CASA approvals will see Swoop Aero drones launch right here in Australian skies. Our approvals are a testimony to our strong regulatory experience overseas, our operational excellence flying over 10,000 BVLOS missions across a number of countries and our strong operating procedures.”
The BVLOS approval is supported by a DG (Dangerous Goods) approval that allows us to transport critical medical supplies to where they are needed whilst maintaining chain of custody.
Zac Kennedy, Director of Regulatory Affairs adds,
“Australia’s Airspace rapidly transforming to account for new airspace users such as drone logistics. We are proud to be leading the way in how to make this transformation a sustainable one to ensure our skies remain safe for traditional and emerging airspace users alike, as well as the broader community. To that effect, we sit on and lead multiple government working groups to co-design the regulatory framework that promotes air mobility safety and innovation to overcome supply barriers.”
Swoop Aero’s operations will be co-located with the local airport in Goondiwindi safely integrating manned and unmanned operations.
“These operations will quickly connect Australian regional patients with medical supplies and equipment, including in emergency situations. Right now the region is facing flooding, and participating recipients who would traditionally be isolated, have access to on demand critical supplies” said Swoop Aero’s Australian Operations Manager, Daniel Scandar., “We can also complete the circle of teleheath for rural patients by providing on-demand medical logistics via air. The potential for drone logistics to connect Australians in immense, and it’s incredible to be on the forefront of operations with Swoop Aero”.
Operations are scheduled to begin this month, December 2021.
Source: Press Release