Royal Mail has initiated an innovative trial to deliver mail via drone between the secluded islands of Islay and Jura in the Inner Hebrides. From now until July 26, postal workers will oversee the loading and unloading of mail on both ends for the first time. The drone, capable of carrying payloads weighing up to 6kg, will replace the usual Royal Mail van ferry service for transporting mail between the two islands.
This trial marks the sixth occasion that Royal Mail has experimented with drones and the second time using the ‘Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS)’ flying method. Trained observers stationed along the drone’s route extend its reach beyond the standard ‘Visual Line of Sight,’ ensuring safe navigation by providing crucial information to the remote pilot regarding other aircraft, structures, and potential hazards.
According to Chris Paxton, Royal Mail’s head of drones, this trial showcases the company’s ongoing collaboration with Skyports in exploring alternative delivery methods to support postal workers in reaching the most remote corners of the UK. As parcel volumes rise, Royal Mail continuously seeks new approaches to offer a reliable, quick, and eco-friendly service to customers across the country.
The trial is a joint effort involving drone experts Skyports and Argyll and Bute Council with a focus on providing essential services to Islay and Jura, including Royal Mail deliveries. Argyll and Bute Council’s Leader, Councillor Jim Lynch, highlights the potential for such innovative trials to revolutionize service delivery in remote communities and underscores the value of partnerships in benefitting the region and beyond.
In 2020, Royal Mail made headlines as the first UK parcel carrier to employ a drone for a delivery. Notably, the company teamed up with a consortium of drone specialists, including Skyports, to transport a parcel to a remote lighthouse on the Isle of Mull using a drone. Subsequent milestones in 2021 included completing the first-ever out-of-sight autonomous drone delivery to a UK island and conducting inter-island drone flights using a smaller vertical take-off and landing drone.
The UK government has voiced support for such innovative initiatives, emphasizing the importance of fresh perspectives and regulatory flexibility to foster progress and attract investment. The plan to establish a permanent UAV Hub at Oban Airport reflects a broader commitment to advancing industry, creating green employment opportunities, and reducing carbon emissions.
In conclusion, Royal Mail’s drone trial illustrates a forward-thinking approach to enhancing mail delivery services in remote areas, setting the stage for future advancements in the sector. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, initiatives like these pave the way for a more efficient and eco-conscious future in postal logistics.
