Aramex’s first phase of drone delivery is a part of its Future Delivery Program
Aramex announced the completion of the pilot phase of drone delivery in Muscat as a part of its Future Delivery Program. The test flights were conducted in partnership with UVL robotics, a US-based company that is the technological leader in offering advanced drone-based solutions with AI (Artificial Intelligence) for logistics. The “Future Delivery Program”, of which drone testing is a part, uses the next generation of last-mile delivery solutions to increase the efficiency of delivery, create cost savings and focus on increasing customer satisfaction.
Chief Operating Officer- Express at Aramex, Alaa Saoudi states that the unwinding of the Future Delivery Program reveals the firm’s market leadership in last-mile solutions in the region. Successful drone delivery ensures the possibility of much faster, more efficient, and capable delivery that will enhance the convenience, speed, and accessibility of package deliveries while simultaneously becoming environmentally friendly. The added advantage of drone delivery brings forward is the ability to deliver to remote areas in places that are not easily accessible. Alaa Saoudi further adds that the project aids in supporting sustainability objectives to significantly reduce greenhouse emissions and reach carbon neutrality by 2030.
The project is in line with Aramex’s pledge to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as it results in a considerable reduction in carbon emission and traffic congestion. Aramex is on a journey to attain its dream of fully transitioning its products to hydrogen fuel cells and emission-free vehicles. The drone testing thus becomes the first of its multi-phase program.
The pilot phase is focused mainly on testing fully autonomous drones to deliver packages across various places, distances, terrains, and weather conditions across Muscat. Aramex plans to expand its drone delivery testing in important markets and the Middle East regions where the company operates. The firm presently focuses on testing a multi-modal approach where a combination of drones and other autonomous and electric vehicles for the deliveries to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
Regional Director for UVL in the MENA Region, Moosa Al Balushi states that last-minute delivery by drones is one of the most important parts of the future of logistics and one of the major goals in business sustainability strategy. The use of drones can reduce the cost of operations and help in delivering to hard-to-reach locations. Along with this, Moosa Al Balushi adds that drones produce 26 times less carbon dioxide emissions than cars which will affect the ecology positively.
Aramex continues to invest in technology-driven solutions to advance delivery routes, reduce delivery times, enhance shipment visibility, and improve customer service. The firm also makes efforts to embed sustainability practices and enhance the climate action goals across the business.
Global Director – Innovation of Aramex, Angad Singh says that the success of drone delivery which is a part of the Future Delivery Service is significant as his program is key to meeting the firm’s sustainability roadmap, and inventions. The drone technology that was provided by the UVL robotics could help in cutting down transportation time by half in intricate routes which also assists in adding more value to the customers and beneficiaries.
Through the Future Delivery Service, the drone technology provided by UVL Robotics aids in delivering packages across various sectors including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce. Aramex, Angad Singh says is focusing on ascending the products for customers and implementing them across the markets where the firm operates.
Aramex has been testing and adopting greener vehicles as an alternative to the firm’s production since 2017. The organization’s Jordan Operatives have positioned electronic vehicle testing across UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt and plan to start an electronic fleet across the firm’s important market regions as a part of achieving the company’s wider sustainability goals.
About Aramex
Aramex is a global logistics network founded in 1982, headquartered in Dubai, and currently functioning with more than 600 offices spanning 60 countries. The firm provided the region’s first sustainability report that highlights the company’s achievements which also aimed at reducing carbon emissions by 2020. The company attained its goals by investing in renewable energy and creating energy awareness. The firm specializes in sustainability, warehousing, freight, logistics, express, supply chain global trade, e-commerce, delivery, community empowerment, and entrepreneurship.