Airbound, APDC target 10,000 daily drone flights by end-2026
The partnership will begin in Guntur and aims to build an autonomous aerial logistics network across Amaravati, Vijayawada and Guntur by the end of 2026.
Airbound has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh Drone Corporation (APDC) to develop an autonomous aerial logistics network, with a target of operating 10,000 daily flights across Amaravati, Vijayawada and Guntur by the end of 2026.
The company said the partnership aims to reduce the cost of logistics by replacing conventional transport methods with autonomous aerial operations. It added that Andhra Pradesh will help create the conditions needed for the network, while Airbound will develop the aircraft. The company plans to begin operations in Guntur, with a stated target of achieving operating costs of ₹0.10 per kilometre.
According to Airbound, current logistics systems depend on moving people to move packages, requiring hubs, sorting centres and delivery networks that increase costs and slow deliveries. The company said an autonomous aerial network changes this model by replacing labour costs with energy costs. It stated that a 2.5 kg aircraft costs only a fraction of a cent per kilometre to operate, making it possible to transport goods without waiting to consolidate shipments or route them through hubs.
Airbound added that, as transport costs fall, logistics and passenger transport could eventually operate on the same principles, with both relying on the same underlying technology and economics.
The Bengaluru-based company has been expanding its autonomous delivery operations. In October 2025, it raised $8.65 million in seed funding and launched a pilot project with Narayana Health to test drone-based medical deliveries. The company said the funding would support the expansion of its manufacturing capabilities and operations while helping reduce delivery costs through wider adoption of its technology.
Airbound thanked IAS officer Geetanjali Sharma and the Andhra Pradesh Drone Corporation team for supporting the initiative. The company also acknowledged Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu for attending the MoU signing ceremony.