Drones to deliver post to Britain's remote islands to deal with bad weather
The days of post to Britain’s islands being delayed because of fog could be drawing to a close after Royal Mail unveiled plans to carry out delivery by drone.
It will this week trial the first scheduled flights by drone from the mainland to the Isles of Scilly. A large drone will deliver PPE, Covid testing kits and other mail to the islands’ main airport before a smaller device will distribute them to posties.
If the trial is successful it could be rolled out to more hard-to-reach locations across the UK.
Royal Mail said the move was to counteract the effects of the weather on deliveries as planes and boats can sometimes be disrupted by fog.
Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail, said: “We are incredibly proud to find ways to support the more remote and isolated communities we serve.”
He added: “We’ve seen a huge increase in parcel volumes since the start of the pandemic, and this is just one of the ways we are looking to support our postmen and postwomen in delivering fast and convenient services for all of our customers while reducing our carbon emissions.”
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The large drone can carry up to 100kg worth of mail, which is equivalent to a normal delivery round. It will arrive at the airport on St Mary’s before further distribution.
The unmanned drones are able to fly in poor weather conditions which Royal Mail said could make them well suited to serve remote island communities.
Amy Richards, a postwoman for the Isles of Scilly, said: “There are some really remote areas on these islands, and this is a terrific way to help us reach them. It’s really important for us to do all we can to help all areas of the country stay connected – especially in these difficult times.”
In December the Royal Mail was the first nationwide carrier to deliver a parcel by drone to a remote lighthouse on the Isle of Mull in Scotland.
The trial is Government-funded. Business minister Paul Scully said: “The UK is at the forefront of the aviation revolution, developing newer and more fuel-efficient technologies.
“Royal Mail’s ‘air bridge’ to the Isles of Scilly will not only connect isolated and rural communities, but showcases the real-world potential drones have to truly transform our lives.”
Watch: Royal Mail to trial drones to deliver items from mainland UK to Isles of Scilly
