[ES] Deliveries with drones, a logistics future that is already (almost) present

The future is flying; so much so that it is already here. In recent years, drones have become very useful tools for different types of work such as search and rescue, surveillance or the audiovisual sector. With such a versatile object, how can you not make the most of it when it comes to delivering a package? Something that sounded like science fiction is getting closer to becoming a reality every day.

The origins of drone deliveries in the USA

Although the delivery of packages with drones may seem futuristic, the first delivery made in this way took place in the last decade, in 2016, through Amazon. Precisely, this e-commerce giant received a licence from the US Federal Aviation Administration for the implementation of its Amazon Prime Air programme. Other companies, such as the Walmart department store chain or Google, will soon join this type of delivery with small flying objects.

Drone deliveries are now coming to Europe

In about 30 minutes, Amazon can send packages weighing up to 2.5 kilos flying through the sky at speeds of 96 kilometres per hour. Although the company maintains this regular service in College Station, Texas, and Lockeford, California, and plans a new US city later this year, for the company the expression “the sky is the limit” is an understatement. Amazon is interested in bringing drone delivery to Europe. The United Kingdom and Italy are its targets for this type of delivery, as it has the authorisation of the regulatory agencies of both countries and could be standardised by the end of 2024. To date, it is not known whether Spain will soon join the European countries covered by Amazon Prime Air.

How does package delivery with drones work?

There are different methods for courier delivery by drones. On the one hand, some companies are committed to using this technology to transport packages to a terminal and then the final journey is made by a person to the end customer. On the other hand, there is the service of direct delivery to the end customer by landing the drone in the customer’s own garden. Either way, the drone then returns to its initial base to continue with further deliveries.

Advantages of drone parcel delivery

Interest in this novel delivery technique has grown due to the benefits it provides for both the company and the consumer.

• It saves time and reduces delivery times. The customer receives his order in a short period of time. For example, the usual 30 minutes of delivery by car can be converted into 8 minutes of drone flight. This does not take into account inconveniences such as traffic jams or other unforeseen events.
• Itreduces the risk of traffic accidents. It is an alternative to the use of traditional vehicles, so it can contribute to improving traffic conditions.
• Itcan reach areas that are difficult to access. Drones can easily reach rural areas and travel over difficult terrain.
• It is an EcoResponsible. This method of transport is environmentally friendly due to the fact that it does not emit CO2, therefore reducing the carbon footprint and is ideal for last mile delivery.

Limitations of drone package delivery

Despite the advantages and conveniences offered by this method of delivery, it is important not to overlook the limitations and restrictions that still exist:

• High risk of collision. If this form of delivery becomes widespread, it can cause congestion on urban airways.
• Noise pollution. Drone propellers make a lot of noise, which can affect the quality of life of residents.
• Package weight and dimensions are limited. The packages that can be sent by drones are small in size and do not exceed 3 kg. Therefore, it is currently unfeasible to consider the delivery of large or heavy packages using this system. In our catalogue you can find boxes for postal shipments, envelopes for shipments and small sized bags and packaging that would be suitable for this method of transport.
• Air traffic regulations and conditions themselves. They do not yet guarantee safe conditions for delivery with this technology on an industrial scale.

In conclusion, the delivery of packages with drones, although already a reality, is still in very experimental stages. The future is near and at RAJA® we always adapt by flying to the latest developments and trends in shipping . Any day now, we will arrive as if from the sky.