‘The beginning of a new era’ – SKY ThinkTank CEO announces Malta’s first drone delivery service

SKY ThinkTank CEO Alexander Esslinger has marked “the beginning of a new era for Malta,” as he launches the country’s first drone delivery service.

SKY ThinkTank is an aviation sustainable innovation company, and in partnership with its sister airline SKY Mobility (Malta) Ltd. both based in Gozo, has obtained operational authorisation for flight tests from Transport Malta.

Flying ZERO, the island’s first air delivery service, will introduce a “fully sustainable, environmentally friendly air delivery eco-system,” using Swiss technology.

During the launch even, Mr Esslinger remarked that after two years of preparation, assessments and cutting-edge development, this milestone marks a new era, “with drone type aircraft deliveries poised to revolutionise the logistics industry on the archipelago.”

He also stressed that “safety and environmental sustainability are core principles” of the Flying ZERO service, as it aims to reducing emissions while “ensuring the highest safety standards.”

During a proof-of-concept demonstration in Ta´Qali in the summer of 2023, the company showcased the potential of a remotely piloted drone type aircraft deliveries to support Malta’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions in the aviation sector.

What are the key service areas for Flying ZERO?

1. Healthcare – Flying ZERO will enable the “rapid and secure transport” of critical medical supplies, such as blood samples between healthcare facilities. The company said that it has already partnered with St. James Hospital as its first customer to ensure deliveries like blood samples in time sensitive situations by beating Malta’s traffic congestion by air.

2. Port-to-ship deliveries – For maritime operations, Flying ZERO will expedite the delivery of items like bunker samples and medications to ships at sea. This will “improve operational efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and contribute to zero-emission shipping logistics.”

3. Retail and e-commerce – The service will also cater to retailers and online merchants, offering “fast, reliable, and environmentally friendly last-mile deliveries” for small parcels, documents, and other essential goods.

The company has not yet announced the launch date of the delivery service, however, SKY ThinkTank has invited interested investors to visit their stand at the TechXpo at MFCC, Ta’ Qali, from 17th to 19th October.