Royal Mail has launched its third drone trial delivering post to remote Orkney isles as part of its work to reduce the company’s carbon emissions.
Following the successful first out-of-sight autonomous drone flight to the Scilly Islands in May, and the UK’s first parcel delivery trial to a lighthouse on Mull last year, Royal Mail has started a two-week trial of scheduled, autonomous flights between Kirkwall and North Ronaldsay.
The company added the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), from manufacturer Windracers, will help to better connect remote island communities.
Charles Scales, chief executive officer at Windracers, said the firm is “delighted” to be operating its UAVs to North Ronaldsay for Royal Mail.
He said: “Our autonomous system will deliver an all-weather service for the community and significantly lower carbon emissions”.
The UK-built UAVs, named Ultra, can carry 100kg of letters and parcels, Royal Mail explained this is equivalent to a typical delivery round. The cargo will then be distributed by local post workers.
Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail, said: “At Royal Mail we care about delivering a brilliant service for all of our customers, wherever they live in the UK. We are also incredibly passionate about protecting our diverse and beautiful environments.
“This trial is designed to help with both of these goals, using the most innovative technologies to support the remote and isolated communities we serve in the greenest way possible.
“The trialling of drone technologies is just one of the ways we are supporting our postmen and postwomen to deliver an amazing service, while reducing our carbon emissions”.
If the trial is successful, the technology will be considered by Royal Mail to support delivery to remote areas and addresses across the UK.
The trial is part of the Sustainable Aviation Test Environment (SATE) project based at Kirkwall Airport. This is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) via the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.
