Skyports to fly RigiTech drones in South Korea BVLOS delivery project

Global UAV company Skyports Drone Services is preparing to expand both its geographical footprint and the specialized aerial fleet it uses during trials of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) deliveries across the Yeosu City area of South Korea, where it will deploy Swiss startup RigiTech craft for the first time.

London-based Skyports has been contracted by officials in South Korea to commence the first phase of drone deliveries between Yeosu City and islands off its coast to verify the benefits, viability, and safety of the services for residents. During that initial five-month period, the company will introduce RigiTech’s Eiger to the fleet of UAVs it operates around the globe – in this case, flying BVLOS missions to and between Gaedo, Geumodo, and Songdo islands and the mainland.

Backed by South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport; the Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology; and the Yeosu City government, the trial will, in many ways, replicate the drone deliveries of medicines and other critical payloads Skyports has provided in the UK and other nations. But it will also expand those to commercial goods, including groceries and prepared meals, transported to island residents from other locations. It will also speed seafood local fishing companies sell to mainland restaurants – a major boost to the speed and quality businesses can provide on both ends of the chain.

To operate the 20- to 60-kilometer BVLOS flights the Yeosu City project will involve, Skyports will be expanding its fleet of mainstay Swoop Aero Kookaburra III and Kite UAVs to RigiTech’s Eiger craft. Over the past year, the Swiss startup has steadily increased its international profile by providing drone deliveries of critical payloads during frequently recurring transportation services for clients like hospitals and analysis labs, as well as long-distance hauls to offshore platforms in challenging weather conditions. 

The proven BVLOS track record of the Eiger made its choice for the Yeosu City project a natural move for Skyports as part of its recent decision to link up with RigiTech as an operating partner. Deployment of the drone will also assist the UK company’s further expansion in South Korea – where it previously began ship-to-shore delivery services.

“Where better to launch our new partnership with RigiTech than in Skyports Drone Services’ newest market?” asked Mitchell Williams, Skyports Drone Services’ South Korea manager. “The Yeosu City project has the essential ingredients we look for when launching a new project: appetite for innovation, local and governmental support, and a strong and scalable use case. Skyports Drone Services and our Korea consortium partners look forward to showing why how drone deliveries can connect remote communities in a meaningful and sustainable way.”

The Yeosu City partnership with Skyports will provide a further lift to RigiTech’s own impressive business development in recent months. That stands to strengthen under the planned second phase of the trial, during which both the type of payloads delivered and destinations its drones make BVLOS flights to are expected to spread. 

“This project is a remarkable endeavor that aligns perfectly with our vision: creating drone delivery networks that connect remote areas and improve quality of life, anywhere in the world,” said RigiTech CEO Adam Klaptocz. “Our technology has been proven and recognized for its reliability, and now it’s time for it to shine in the dynamic and forward-thinking landscape of the Yeosu region. We’re excited to join the Skyports Drone Services’ project and fleet, to work together to push the boundaries of BVLOS flights in new continents as our own team keeps growing.”