Skye Air Mobility & CARiTAS Hospital Launch Drone Medical Deliveries in Kottayam

This collaboration focuses on using drones for medical deliveries, aiming to reduce delivery times and drastically lower carbon emissions.

Skye Air Mobility, a Delhi-based drone logistics company, has partnered with CARiTAS Hospital & Institute of Health Sciences, Kottayam. 

This collaboration focuses on using drones for medical deliveries, aiming to reduce delivery times and drastically lower carbon emissions.

The partnership between Skye Air Mobility and CARiTAS Hospital is centered on using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to transport essential medical supplies, including medicines and diagnostic samples, across the Kottayam district. 

The drones can carry payloads of up to 3 kg over distances ranging from 10 to 15 km. This technology is expected to significantly cut delivery times from hours to just 5-7 minutes.

During the inaugural ceremony, local dignitaries and healthcare professionals witnessed the first successful drone flight, transporting vital medicines from CARiTAS Hospital to Caritas Family Hospital and CARiTAS KMM. 

Both facilities are located 10-15 km away from the main hospital. This demonstration highlighted the potential of drone technology in providing swift and efficient medical services, particularly in remote areas.

Ankit Kumar, CEO and founder of Skye Air Mobility, emphasized this collaboration's importance, stating, "By establishing an aerial supply chain, we are not only reducing delivery times but also minimizing costs and environmental impact. This initiative is a model for future healthcare logistics solutions across India."

Future Plans 

The drone delivery program is set to undergo a series of trial runs in the coming weeks, with a full-scale rollout planned across the Kottayam district shortly after. 

Rev Binu Kunnath, director of CARiTAS Hospital, said, "Drones are a game-changer for healthcare in Kottayam, helping us reach patients in remote areas much faster and more reliably. Whether it's delivering medicine, transporting lab samples, or providing medical equipment, these drones will improve care in our community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on healthcare in our region."

Both Skye Air Mobility and CARiTAS Hospital are working closely with local authorities to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the drone delivery system and adhere to all relevant regulations and guidelines.

Ajith Venugopalan, COO of CARiTAS Hospital, also commented on the importance of this initiative for patient care, noting how the drone facilities would streamline operations and enhance service delivery.

Founded in 2020, Skye Air Mobility uses drone technology for various sectors, including retail, e-commerce, postal services, and food delivery.