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Edmonton is the first airport in Canada to launch commercial drone cargo delivery trials

YEG and Drone Delivery Canada (DDC) are excited to enter into trials for drone cargo delivery within controlled air space. Through a partnership between YEG, Apple Express and Ziing Logistics, YEG will be home to the commercial delivery trials and eventual commercial service. Air Canada Cargo is also involved as a sales agent for the purpose of marketing and pursuing sales of DDC’s drone delivery services across Canada using its expertise and technology.

Once trials are complete, this is expected to be the world’s first regularly scheduled commercial drone delivery service from an airport. YEG is a leader in working with drone operators and with aviation regulatory organizations, pioneering some of the firsts in Canadian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS or drones) aviation in active, controlled airspace.

We believe this is the future of our industry and will work towards making Edmonton’s airport into a hub for drone cargo deliveries in western and northern Canada. YEG is committed to innovation of logistics and fulfilling our mandate to ensure sustainable supply chains to our communities including remote, indigenous, or Northern communities that have unreliable or unaffordable access to cargo shipments.

How it works

DroneSpot YEG 2 NiskuTwo dedicated and secure drone delivery spots have been established; one at the Airport Operations Centre and one in Nisku, made possible with assistance from our municipal partner, Leduc County. The DroneSpots contain all the necessary hardware and software to maintain safe operations.  The drones are remotely piloted from an offsite location with visual observers and safety pilots present on-site.

In conjunction with Transport Canada, Nav Canada, YEG and DDC have developed a flight plan outside of regular air service flight paths to conduct the trials. Once trials are complete, commercial options will be put in place to regularly service commercial customers of Apple Express and Ziing Logistics.

 

Is drone delivery right for you?

For more information on the trial or to learn more about commercial options, contact

Check out highlights from our launch event from December 2, 2021