Dronamics, a Bulgarian cargo drone manufacturer, has partnered with the German international logistics services provider Hellmann Worldwide Logistics for cross-border middle-mile delivery of time-critical cargo across Europe. The first pilot flights and commercial rollout are expected to take place next year.

The two companies will initially focus on developing routes in Europe as permits allow. The partnership also offers Dronamics the opportunity to expand its service alongside Hellmann’s global network.

Dronamics develops and operates unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and launched its first cargo drone (Black Swan), which can transport up to 771 lbs. over 1,550 miles, in 2018. The company targets same-day shipping of ecommerce, pharmaceutical, and time-critical products over long distances. The company is currently working on winning the industry-first approval for international unmanned flights. 

Analyst quick take: This partnership with Hellman furthers its goal of offering international unmanned flights following its recent expansion to more airports and the company plans to add 35 airports across Europe to act as drone hubs in the future. This marks the second partnership Dronamics has made this year after joining a consortium led by AGS Airports—the owner of Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Southampton airports—in January, to build a medical drone delivery network in Scotland.