Medical drone delivery trials take place in Scotland

A project using drones to deliver medical supplies across Scotland has been heralded as a “technological revolution” by the Minister for Aviation and Maritime, Mike Kane, in his first official visit to the region on 27 August.

Meeting with Andy Cliffe, CEO of AGS Airports – which operates Aberdeen International Airport – to celebrate the airport’s 90th anniversary, the Minister is expected to see a series of measures in place to support regional connectivity across the UK, including a project trialing the use of drones to deliver medical supplies to remote locations across Scotland. 

Spearheaded by the airport, Project CAELUS is backed by over £7 million in UK government funding, helping to accelerate the development of drones across multiple industries.

For the first time, laboratory samples have been flown from Edinburgh to Melrose by drones thanks to the project. A journey that usually takes up to five hours by road transport could now take as little as 35 minutes.

Kane said: “Aberdeen has demonstrated what the next era of aviation can look like with its successful medical drone delivery trials.

“I want to help all players in the industry across the country to embrace these innovative solutions that enhance regional connectivity and pave the way for a more sustainable future.”