James Hogan joins FLYDE as strategic advisor

FLYDE, a MonacoTech-incubated drone delivery company serving vessels at anchor, has appointed James Hogan as Strategic Advisor as it prepares to expand its operations across the Mediterranean.

Hogan has also become a shareholder in FLYDE following an investment by Group Vanguard Holdings, his private family office. In his new role, he will advise FLYDE’s leadership on aviation regulatory compliance, network development and adapting its operating model for markets outside Europe, including the Arabian Gulf.

Hogan brings more than four decades of aviation, travel and hospitality experience. He began his career with Ansett Airlines in 1975 and later held senior roles at Hertz, Forte Hotels and BMI before becoming CEO of Gulf Air.

He served as President and CEO of Etihad Airways from 2006 to 2017, overseeing the airline’s international expansion and fleet growth from 15 to more than 120 aircraft. In 2017, Hogan was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his contributions to aviation, tourism and trade links between Australia and the Gulf.

James Hogan said, “FLYDE represents an exciting opportunity to apply the latest developments in aviation technology to a new and underserved area of the market. The ability to provide fast, efficient and reliable delivery services directly to vessels at anchor has the potential to create significant value for customers while opening up a new category of aviation operation.”

He added, “I am delighted to be joining FLYDE as a strategic advisor and shareholder and to be working with the leadership team as the company enters its next phase of growth. While the technology is new, many of the principles that apply to building successful aviation networks remain the same. FLYDE has an opportunity to establish a scalable operating model and develop a network that can ultimately be adapted to other markets.”

Hogan’s appointment comes as FLYDE transitions from development to commercial operations. The company was established to provide dedicated drone delivery services to vessels at anchor, addressing demand for faster, more efficient and lower-impact logistics solutions for the maritime and yachting sectors.

After four years of regulatory and operational development, FLYDE has established a validated concept of operations and secured a French generic operating authorisation from the French Civil Aviation Authority on February 23, 2026, along with approval from Monaco’s Civil Aviation Authority.

FLYDE began commercial flights from Port Gallice in Antibes on August 1, 2026, and plans to establish additional bases along the French Riviera in 2027.

Pierre Deyris, Founder and CEO of FLYDE, said, “We are delighted to welcome James Hogan, whose arrival marks an important turning point in FLYDE’s development. Following our first operations this summer, we are entering a phase focused on building a network, and his experience leading Etihad will be invaluable. On a personal note, I am very pleased to work alongside him and to learn from his extensive aviation experience.”

FLYDE operates dedicated drone corridors for deliveries to vessels at anchor, offering a new logistics service for the maritime and yachting sectors. The company conducts deliveries from shore-based operating bases to offshore vessels using a winch system, eliminating the need for drones to land on the vessels.

Through FLYDE’s digital platform, provisioning agents, yacht operators and logistics partners can book delivery slots in a few clicks. Once an order is ready, FLYDE’s logistics team loads the parcel onto the drone at the departure port. The drone then transports the shipment to the vessel, using an automated winch system to complete the delivery safely, quickly and with minimal environmental impact. The service can be used by ports and marinas, local-businesses and e-retailers, provisioning agents and concierge services, yacht owners, guests and crews.

FLYDE is developing what it describes as the first dedicated drone delivery network for vessels at anchor in the Mediterranean. The company is incubated at MonacoTech, Monaco’s startup incubator, which was co-founded by the Prince’s Government, Monaco Telecom and entrepreneur Xavier Niel.