During the first week of September, Quest Group members’ ACS and Uni Systems, along with Pleiades IoT Innovation Cluster and PROBOTEK, have successfully carried out a pilot UAV flight from Kos to Pserimos for the transportation of medical and pharmaceutical supplies.
The BVLOS (Below Visual Line of sight) license was granted by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority for the transportation of medical supplies to the remote island of Pserimos, with the takeoff field being in Tigkaki, Kos. The Swiss-made VTOL (Vertical Take-off & Landing) unmanned aircraft with a wingspan of 3 meters, performed a flight of 12 kilometers in 8’ minutes, while being remotely monitored by two pilots (one in Kos and one in Pserimos) who stood by. During the pilot flight, a number of challenges, such as the distance, the different climatic conditions, the geomorphological background and safety, were carefully monitored.
The project was supported by Drops Smart Hubs, which creates a new dynamic market by bringing together drone operators with B2B and B2G stakeholders, through an interoperable and safe takeoff-landing environment.
The goal of this pilot project was to operate in U-space (the European system being developed to manage drone traffic) and signal long-range autonomous flights to provide services that have a direct impact on our daily lives, such as sending medical supplies to remote areas. In addition, it is the first step for a safe and effective integration of autonomous BVLOS flights in both urban and rural environments, and highlights the creation of new business models and the enhancement of sustainable economic development with a social impact, through innovation.
Apostolos Georgantzis, CEO of Quest Group and President and CEO of ACS, stated:
“We are particularly pleased about the new transport route, which we are opening today, attempting to significantly change the daily lives of the border islands’ residents. The first licensed BVLOS pilot flight for the transportation of medical equipment in a remote area is now a reality, once again highlighting our market leadership. We are also very pleased to demonstrate once more that innovation is at our business core, supporting sustainable development and a better future for Greece.”
The pilot project was presented on Friday, September 8, in Kos in the presence of the Hellenic Telecommunications & Post Commission’s representatives, the Mayor of Kos, Mr. Theodosis Nikitaras as well as other Kos’ authorities, who embraced the project and offered valuable support for its implementation.
Source: Press Release