Drone Distribution Project Takes Off at Aberdeen International Airport

That the Parliament congratulates Aberdeen International Airport as it leads a trial of what it believes is the UK’s first national distribution network to use drones; understands that the drones will transport essential medicines, blood, organs and other medical supplies across Scotland, particularly rural areas; applauds the initiative; believes that it will have the ability to speed-up the delivery of critical medical supplies, reduce waiting times and help provide equity of care between urban and remote rural communities; notes that a digital blueprint of the network is to be created; understands that this will have the potential to connect hospitals, pathology laboratories, distribution centres and GP surgeries nationwide; acknowledges the challenging work that will be required to develop the ground infrastructure to recharge the drones and the systems to control them and to design pathways to ensure that they can safely share airspace with other aviation; recognises the £1.5 million towards the project that has been awarded by the UK Industrial Strategy Future Flight Challenge Fund, and welcomes what it sees as the environmental benefits that drones can play in reducing the carbon emissions generated by Scotland's road-based distribution networks.