Skyports, a UK-based drone logistics company, has officially launched its operations in Argyll and Bute, Scotland (under Argyll & Bute Health & Social Care Partnership), conducting drone-based Covid-19 test samples and other medical deliveries on behalf of the National Health Service (NHS). The launch follows successful trials conducted between two hospitals in mid-2020.

During a three-month project, Skyports’ drones will be carrying on-demand and scheduled medical supplies up to 6.6 lbs, covering a radius of 40 miles in one run. Initially, the drone will make deliveries between four hospitals in the area.

Skyports has obtained approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for these flights, becoming the first to do so in the UK.

The company will be utilizing Australian drone-based health logistics provider Swoop Aero’s aviation platform for the service. The duo partnered last month to expand Skyports’ drone-based medical delivery services on behalf of the NHS.

Skyports owns and operates both passenger and cargo vertiports (vertical landing and take-off sites) for urban aviation and manages end-to-end drone deliveries for the medical, e-commerce, and logistics industries.