Budget airline SpiceJet Ltd said on Friday it received permission to conduct drone trials that will allow it to deliver medical supplies and e-commerce products as a months-long lockdown has thrown supply chains in the country into disarray.
Earlier this month, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted exemptions to 13 groups to operate drones on an experimental basis.
After trials, SpiceXpress, the airline’s cargo arm, will focus on delivering medical emergency parcels and essential supplies including perishables, SpiceJet said.
“Testing of drone technology for last mile connectivity and cost-effective cargo deliveries are a big leap in the air transportation of essential and non-essential supplies in India,” SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh said in a statement.
