Drone trials to begin between the Channel Islands

The trials will begin at the karting track in Sorel, using drones to deliver critical medical supplies and assist with search and rescue and fisheries patrols.

Funded by Innovate UK, the trials are part of the £4 million Agile Integrated Airspace System (ALIAS) program to improve connectivity.

Ports of Jersey is the local project partner in the Agile Integrated Airspace System (ALIAS) program with Volant Autonomy, who specialize in guidance software for autonomous aircraft.

The Ports’ CEO, Matt Thomas, said: “We see ALIAS as a great opportunity for the Channel Islands.

“It will enable us to move essential medical supplies, bolster our search and rescue capability, and eventually provide air taxi services within the Channel Islands.

“We are making progress on the decarbonization of aviation, and we are keen to work on exciting projects with like-minded partners to achieve this.”

More trials are expected in June if this week’s are successful.

This comes as Britain is set to host the opening of the world’s first drone airway between June and early July this year to enable faster drone deliveries across Britain.