DTDC Express, a leading logistics service provider, has announced a partnership with Skye Air Mobility to launch last-mile drone-based deliveries.
The first drone delivery covered the distance between Bilaspur and Gurgaon Sector 92, spanning 7.5 km in just 3-4 minutes, compared to the usual 15-minute road journey. This event coincided with DTDC’s 35th anniversary.
Abhishek Chakraborty, CEO of DTDC Express Ltd, noted that as the company enters its 35th year, the strategic partnership with Skye Air marks a significant milestone in establishing new benchmarks for last-mile delivery. This collaboration aims to address the evolving logistics landscape driven by digitalization and changing consumer behaviors, presenting an opportunity to redefine last-mile logistics in India.
The company highlighted that this delivery represents a step forward in its commitment to adopting technology and setting new industry standards. Chakraborty emphasized that DTDC’s technological advancements must align seamlessly with societal and environmental needs, reflecting the company’s vision. The goal is to leverage DTDC’s leadership position to enhance digital capabilities and drive exponential growth across Express Parcels, International, and Integrated E-commerce Logistics.
The eco-friendly drone delivery system is designed to reduce carbon emissions and alleviate traffic congestion. Ankit Kumar, Founder and CEO of Skye Air, expressed excitement about collaborating with DTDC on its 35th Foundation Day. By integrating advanced drone delivery infrastructure into the network, the partnership aims to bypass traffic congestion, enhancing delivery speed, efficiency, and sustainability. Each drone delivery can save over 520 grams of CO2 emissions compared to traditional methods. The objective is to reduce the distance and time for last-mile deliveries, significantly impacting the logistics infrastructure.
DTDC plans to expand its drone delivery service to other regions across India, with the next phase focusing on identifying areas where drone deliveries can offer the most impact.