DHL and Aerodyne to chart the future of drone delivery service in Malaysia

DHL Express have inked a deal with Aerodyne Group in Malaysia recently to assess the commercial viability of using drone technology for rapid, flexible, safe, and environmentally-friendly deliveries.

Aerodyne Group, a global provider of drone-based enterprise solutions together with DHL Express, the world’s leading express service provider have identified market opportunities for improving the transport of healthcare related supplies.

Together they will develop a business model to be used in the life sciences and maritime supply chains, focusing in East Malaysia and the Malaccan Straits.

Julian Neo, Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei said that the digital transformation and pace of change in the logistics industry, requires constant innovative approaches to ensure future-ready supply chains.

“This is where drones and robotics can play a role. Drone technology has a vital role to play in the future of logistics, especially for businesses in Malaysia.” Julian added.

Persisting last-mile delivery challenges due to the pandemic has made it more urgent than ever to respond to changes in the logistics landscape. 

The lack of roads connecting rural and urban societies in the East Malaysian state of Sabah for example, often makes it difficult for villagers in accessing vaccines and medication.

Drones can overcome this infrastructure gap by sending consignments regardless of the terrain and also leave a much lower carbon footprint compared to more traditional transportation methods like trucks or boats.

The deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles may realise automatic, contactless shipping services from shore to vessel to shore and also in remote areas.

Aerodyne Group’s CEO, Kamarul A Muhamed said: “In tandem with the global rise of drone delivery, our partnership with DHL Express is timely to make this service compliant, as well as technically and commercially viable in Malaysia and beyond.

He added that the collaboration will also heighten efforts for supportive regulations worldwide and spur more breakthroughs in advanced drone and data tech.

DHL was a part of the launch of the Iskandar Drone and Robotics Zone which was officiated by Minister of Science Technology and Innovation, Khairy Jamaluddin earlier in December.