Canary drone completes new tests at Edmonton International Airport

The Canary drone completed its new route from Edmonton International Airport (YEG) to Montana First Nation’s Akamihk Medical Clinic in the City of Leduc.

"Thanks to an innovative partnership with Drone Delivery Canada (DDC), with the assistance of their sales agent Air Canada, Apple Express, Braden Burry Expediting (bbe), Montana First Nation, the City of Leduc and Leduc County, YEG’s newest commercial drone will be able to transport first- and final-mile time-sensitive products more effectively," says an official release from Edmonton Airport.

In December 2021, YEG became Canada’s first airport to integrate drone logistics into its operations, and in May 2022 began regularly scheduled commercial drone delivery operations in controlled airspace, the release added. "Since then, DDC’s drone has serviced more than 3,000 commercial drone flights over a distance of more than 8,400 km from YEG to a DroneSpot in Leduc County. This new phase will expand that route to the City of Leduc, growing the drone flight path, increasing innovative and sustainable first- and final-mile delivery of high-value, time-critical products, and becoming the first drone program in Canada to safely intersect with the runway glide path."

Myron Keehn, President & CEO, Edmonton International Airport says: “As we continue to build demand for drone delivery, we are focused on advancing sustainable mobility solutions to first- and final-mile delivery across the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Part of our net zero commitment is creating opportunities for sustainable transportation and aviation, and we look forward to collaborating with our partners to accelerate the adoption of drone delivery to and from Edmonton International Airport and across the region.”

The Canary will fly 10.15 km from YEG to the Akamihk Medical Clinic along rail lines. "The goal of expanding the route and partners means YEG will continue to move forward toward bringing drones closer to a sustainable commercialised mode of transport. The future goal is to deliver final-mile packages for e-commerce businesses, removing vehicles from the road, reducing congestion and helping to control air pollution and emissions."

Glen Lynch, CEO, Volatus Aerospace (which recently merged with Drone Delivery Canada) says: "We are deeply honoured to contribute to the next phase of this pioneering initiative. This landmark achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to safety and our extensive experience in the field. We take immense pride in collaborating with our partners as we continue to explore and expand the horizons of drone cargo delivery.”

Drones that operate at the airport go through an extensive Hazard Identification Risk Assessment Programme (HIRA), which is YEG’s safety programme with safety, compliance and operations teams before they can fly, the release added.