Blue Dart along with Skye Air starts drone delivery service

In collaboration with Skye Air, Blue Dart has begun drone deliveries, with an initial emphasis on last-mile and e-commerce services. Currently operational in Gurugram, Haryana, Blue Dart plans to expand to additional pin codes nationwide.

In a BSE filing, the company stated, "We aim to cover more areas across the country in subsequent stages with our partners.”

The courier and integrated express package distribution company also said that this step indicates the advancement towards cleaner and more efficient delivery solutions.

“Building on their pioneering VLOS trials in Vikarabad, Hyderabad, in September 2021, and BVLOS trials under the Telangana Government's 'Medicine from the Sky' initiative, Blue Dart continues to lead in utilising drone technology for logistics,” the company further said.

Initially this delivery approach is targeting the growing e-commerce sector and later will transform the last-mile delivery by offering same-day delivery for shipments. It is expected that the drone deliveries will reduce delivery time and also soften the environmental impact.

Commenting on the initiative, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart, said, "The logistics sector in India is experiencing an exhilarating phase. The nation's robust economic growth, coupled with the aspirations of its consumers and growth in Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities, has significantly boosted purchasing power. This surge in demand emphasizes the need for innovative solutions that drive growth while ensuring efficiency and sustainability."