THE logistics venture of AirAsia Digital, Teleport has plans to launch a pilot project for the delivery of goods from AirAsia’s e-commerce platform using automated drones.
The project, made possible through partnerships with Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC) and the Lead Secretariat of the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTS) aims to develop a long-term viability of urban drone delivery service.
The Urban Drone Delivery Sandbox is set to be carried out through a six-month phased approach at the NTIS test site in Cyberjaya and is currently at the testing stage with two local drone operators: VStream Revolution Sdn Bhd and Meraque Services Sdn Bhd.
The first phase will assess the capability, experience, approval process, deployment readiness and service expansion of the drone operators. The service will be deployed upon a successful trial phase and might be expanded beyond the sandbox environment.
In realising this project, NTIS has been working closely with Malaysia’s sole technical regulator, Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to ensure the safety and security of Unmanned Air Services in urban settings meets the requirements and regulations as set by CAAM.
“We are poised to be the frontrunner in the drone technology industry. In fact, the service of drone delivery of goods can be expanded and scaled up beyond the e-commerce sector,” said Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Khairy Jamaluddin.
Meanwhile, AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes believes that the e-commerce industry will once again be disrupted with the success of the project, as drone delivery has the potential to allow merchants to keep up with growing demands and remain agile.
“Most importantly, this innovation will allow us to create new and high-tech job opportunities for Malaysians. The ability to pivot is part of our culture and while some are losing their jobs in aviation, we offer a second chance for them to build a new career with us through e-commerce,” he added. – Mar 6, 2021
