Advanced Air Mobility News

Boots Becomes First Pharmacy in UK to Deliver Medicine by Drones

Boots Becomes First Pharmacy in UK to Deliver Medicine by Drones

Boots has become the first community pharmacy in the UK to transport prescription-only medicines by drones.

The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are developed by Skylift, and operated by drone startup Apian.

The UAV flew a test flight from the British Army’s Baker Barracks on Thorney Island near Portsmouth to St. Mary’s Hospital on the Isle of Wight.

“In this trial, we will be looking at how much time we can save, as well as how we can incorporate drones into our medicines supply chain to create economic efficiencies too. We want to prepare now for the wider use of this technology in the future,” states Rich Corbridge, Chief Information Officer at Boots.

“Whilst faster and more reliable than ground transportation they bring with them additional environmental benefits and offer a more sustainable solution for delivery,” says Max Coppin, Chief Operating Officer at Apian.

Boots is further looking to explore the future potential of drones in medicine deliveries.

INDUSTRY REPORTS