Edmonton International airport is continuing its national leadership role in the integration of drone technology at airports through a new strategic partnership that will focus on drone-based cargo delivery services.
Edmonton and Drone Delivery Canada (DDC) have entered into an agreement and will work towards making Edmonton’s airport into a hub for drone cargo deliveries in western and northern Canada. The agreement is being assisted by Air Canada through its long term commercial relationship with the airport. Air Canada is also a sales agent of DDC through its cargo branch Air Canada Cargo. If the concept works, this is expected to be the world’s first regularly scheduled drone delivery service from an airport.
To date, Edmonton has done much work with drone operators and with aviation regulatory organisations, pioneering in Canadian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems aviation in active, controlled airspace, and utilising the solution for wildlife management and runway inspections, amongst other tasks.