Skyports delivery drones begin year-long pilot program across NYC's East River
By
Aarian Marshall
Toasted golden, schmeared with insight. Top of the rack.
Summary
Delivery drones operated by British company Skyports have begun flying across New York City's East River, carrying light cargo (initially paper, later light pharmaceuticals) for a healthcare system. The drones, with nearly eight-foot wingspans, operate daily weekday trips between Manhattan and Brooklyn in one of the country's busiest airspaces. The article explores the uncertainty around whether city delivery drones make practical sense, as this year-long pilot program tests the feasibility of urban drone logistics.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledIt's a bird, it's a plane, it's a six-propeller flying vehicle with a nearly eight-foot wingspan.
One of the country's busiest airspaces has a new kind of flying machine—maybe temporarily.
Right now, those loads are basically a few pounds of paper; once the healthcare system is confident the setup works, it should include nonhazardous, non-biological packages, such as light pharma.
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