DHL will use 4,000 cargo drones to enter Europe



        DHL said on Monday that it will use more than 4,000 heavy-duty cargo drones provided by Dronamics for its logistics and parcel network in Europe. This "black swan" unmanned aircraft can carry 770 pounds and can fly up to 1,500 miles.


   This is the second major customer signed by Dronamics in three weeks. Earlier, Dronamics announced a partnership with Hellmann Logistics to develop cross-border cargo delivery services early next year.


   DHL (DXE: DPW) stated that Dronamics will support the delivery of goods on the same day, covering mid-way goods transportation in specific industries and markets, such as e-commerce and pharmaceuticals. The two companies will jointly establish a dedicated drone delivery network.


   A joint statement stated that the cooperation between the two parties includes mutual exclusion in certain industries. DHL, one of the three major integrated logistics companies, will handle the first and last mile of connections.


   The company said that the contract is expected to bring Dronamics US$2.1 billion in revenue.


   Dronamics, headquartered in London and Sofia, Bulgaria, will provide the technology and expertise to operate drones. According to the company, the "Black Swan" UAV can be delivered on the same day, and the price is 80% lower than that of any other aircraft. The first commercial flights are expected to begin next year.


   The drone developer plans to use sustainable biofuels to reduce carbon emissions in operations by 2027 and help DHL achieve its sustainable development goals.


   Last week, Dronamics signed an agreement with Bodensee-Airport Friedrichshafen (Bodensee-Airport Friedrichshafen) to become its fourth airport partner in Germany to introduce its drone airport network to 39 airports in 12 countries. The airport is located in the industrial state of Baden-Württemberg, where there are a large number of cars and airlines.


  Dronamics was founded in 2014 by the Rangelov brothers. They are an economist and an aeronautical engineer respectively, and they have won the Innovation Award from the International Air Transport Association.