Quito’s Aerialoop is Pioneering Drone Logistics in Detroit

I have to admit, this story puts a huge smile on my face. A drone logistics company born right here in my adopted city of Quito, Ecuador, is now making waves in the heart of America’s automotive industry. Aerialoop, a company whose skilled pilots I personally know and respect, has launched a groundbreaking new cargo drone pilot program in Detroit, MI and Michigan Central wrote about it.

In a powerful collaboration with Newlab, Airspace Link, and Michigan’s state mobility offices, this proud Ecuadorian startup is showcasing the future of urban logistics. It’s a massive moment for Latin American innovation and a testament to the incredible talent of my fellow pilots.

From the Andes to the Motor City

Aerialoop, which was founded in Quito back in 2018, is no stranger to complex drone operations. They have been honing their skills in the challenging high-altitude environment of the Andes for years. Now, as a member of the Newlab mobility innovation center, they are bringing that expertise to Detroit.

The pilot program involves a one-mile, round-trip drone route between Newlab at Michigan Central and a repurposed industrial site called The 23rd. The drones are flying with full FAA clearance for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, zipping over a railroad corridor to deliver lightweight prototype parts for local assembly. This isn’t just theory; it’s a proven concept. Aerialoop has already completed over 600 flights, covering more than 360 miles, all while being five times more energy-efficient than a traditional delivery truck. It’s a smart, green, and efficient solution to the urban “last-mile” delivery problem.

The Tech and the Team

To pull this off, you need more than just a good idea; you need robust technology and world-class pilots. Aerialoop uses custom-built drones with redundant systems and proprietary software designed for safe and scalable operations. Their Director of Operations, Jose Barzallo, emphasizes this focus on safety and reliability.

The pilots use Airspace Link’s AirHub® Portal for digital airspace management, ensuring every flight is fully compliant with FAA regulations. This is the kind of professional, disciplined flying I’ve seen firsthand from the Aerialoop pilots I know here in Quito. They are true masters of their craft, and it’s no surprise they’ve been chosen for this high-profile project. The company is also pioneering a unique “Hardware-as-a-Service” (HaaS) model, which allows third-party operators to tap into their advanced technology and operational expertise, helping to scale up urban drone delivery even faster.

A Beacon for Latin American Innovation

Aerialoop’s success in Detroit is a huge deal. It proves that world-class drone innovation isn’t just happening in Silicon Valley or Shenzhen; it’s happening right here in Quito. It joins a global wave of drone applications that are reshaping our world, like food delivery in Arlington. This pilot program, operating in Michigan’s Advanced Aerial Innovation Region (AAIR), is a showcase for high-frequency, automated drone operations. With over 40,000 global flights under their belt, Aerialoop is proving that Latin American companies can compete with, and lead, the best in the world.

DroneXL’s Take

I’ve been a professional in this industry for a long time, and few things make me prouder than seeing people I know succeed. I have had the pleasure of watching some of Aerialoop’s pilots fly, and I can tell you, they are some of the most skilled and professional operators I have ever seen. Seeing them and their proudly Ecuadorian company take on a complex project like this in Detroit is just fantastic.

“Real talk,” flying BVLOS missions in a dense, complex urban environment like Detroit is incredibly challenging. You’re dealing with signal interference, unpredictable winds, and a host of other obstacles. The success of this pilot program is a massive testament to the quality of their technology and the skill of their team.

This is a story about more than just delivering a package. It’s about breaking barriers. It’s about a startup from the high valleys of the Andes proving that they can create a world-class logistics solution for the heart of the American auto industry. It’s a powerful dose of inspiration for every innovator and every pilot, not just in Ecuador, but across all of Latin America.

I am incredibly proud of what the Aerialoop team is accomplishing. They are not just flying drones; they are flying the flag for an entire continent of innovators. ¡Vuelen alto, amigos!

Photo credit: Michigan Central