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Same-day delivery firm Pony Express Couriers has conducted Ireland’s first approved drone delivery in Dun Laoghaire: medical supplies to a 24ft rib 200 metres offshore.
The DJI Inspire 1 transported supplies weighing 250g,including an emergency thermal blanket, an Epi-pen, bandages, plasters, thermometer, first aid leaflet, gloves, wipes and burn dressings.
It also contained sustenance in the form of a high-energy bar and water. The supplies were attached under the drone in a waterproof container.
The two-minute flight was the first authorised by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), but security concerns have prevented the use of drones on a permanent basis.
Director of safety regulation at the IAA Ralph James said the operation’s success, which met all regulatory requirements, delighted the authority.
“The application of drone technology is vast and the IAA will continue to foster, promote and encourage its use, with the emphasis always on safety,” said Mr James.
A Pony Express spokeswoman told The Loadstar that the IAA’s strict restrictions made it unfeasible for the courier to roll out an expanded commercial drone service anytime soon.
In particular, the spokeswoman said, there was a need to address safety fears, especially near flight paths, training and licensing, public awareness and improved noise reduction technology.
“However, we want to be at the leading edge of the industry and pushed ahead to conduct the first drone delivery in Ireland, so we’ll have a head start should regulations change,” said the spokeswoman.
“We also expect to be influential in that change and believe the technology will improve exponentially, allowing us to pick the ideal technology in the future.”
Audrey Browne, operations manager of Pony Express, said drones would not work for its core business – inner-city same-day services – due to the high possibility of interception, loss or damage.
“When parcel delivery by drone can be proven to work safely in an urban context, then we will revaluate the situation, but for now we will continue offering parcel delivery by our traditional methods of bicycles, motorbike, vans, and trucks,” said Ms Browne.
In a survey of Pony Express clients, some 51% said drones would work in the courier industry, with a further 12% unsure, based on their lack of knowledge of drone abilities.
Overall, the firm said, respondents had a positive view but noted safety as a key concern, with 25% believing drones would not be able to safely deliver parcels.
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