Matternet (a delivery drone operator) is expanding its operations to Asia, through a partnership with Japan Airlines (JAL), who will deploy Matternet M2 drones in Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “Drone logistics business development project”. 

The Drone Logistics Business Development Project (August 2020 - March 2022) is a consortium of companies consisting of KDDI Corporation, Japan Airlines, East Japan Railway, Weathernews Inc., and Terra Drone Corporation, working together to demonstrate the viability of delivering food and medical supplies, and providing security services via drones to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. 

As per the partnership, Matternet will transport prescription pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and blood units to simulate emergency response and disaster relief situations. During the trial run, the company will be delivering items from Mediceo Corp's East Tokyo warehouse to St. Luke's International Hospital.

Depending on the success of the partnership, Matternet plans to assess other drone delivery opportunities in Japan.

With the partnership, Matternet joins Zipline as the only other US-based disruptor company in the drone delivery business with operations in Asia.