Swoop Aero, an international drone powered logistics company delivering essential supplies to remote locations across the globe, are setting up business on the West Coast creating new opportunities for local jobs and businesses.
Mayor Gibson and Council Staff attended an enlightening demonstration today at Greymouth Airport to hear about the amazing innovative service that Swoop Aero has been providing around the world and now intends to bring to the West Coast.
The company are currently planning NZ's first drone logistics network here on the West Coast, and will be working with the Civil Aviation Authority to secure Beyond Visual Line of Sight approvals, as they’ve done in nine countries across three continents. To date Swoop Aero have flown over 13,000 flights, and delivered over 750,000 items, including 200,000 vaccine doses.
Swoop Aero will use their proven technology platform to establish safe, effective flight routes between Greymouth and Westport to enable the two-way transportation of vital medical supplies between the two towns.
West Coast DHB is currently formalising agreements with Swoop Aero for a pilot program of how drones can be used to support healthcare services.
Swoop Aero will be engaging with stakeholders and the community and would look at recruiting locally to fill pilot and hub operator roles for the pilot program. This provides local employment while at the same time upskilling staff to ensure the successful growth of local networks in the region. It will also place the West Coast in the best position to adopt drone technology as it becomes more accessible into the future.
Mayor Gibson said “this is an exciting and innovative business opportunity which would bring something completely unique to the region. This could open up all sorts of possible economic opportunities and new employment pathways into the future”
Paul Morris said “its shows that great things are possible here in Grey, we are open to new ideas, new innovative business proposals and we are ready to support business ventures including, linking stakeholders to the right people and partner agencies to help make your aspirations become a reality”
To read more about Swoop Aero please visit their website here
