Medical Deliveries in Europe: Wing and Apian Soar to Healthcare Heights!

Alphabet’s Wing, known for its innovative drone delivery system, is taking to the skies of L'Europe to bring crucial medical supplies straight to hospitals and patients. Teaming up with Apian, a UK-based drone start-up specializing in medical deliveries, the partnership is set to revolutionize healthcare delivery, starting in Dublin, Ireland.

Imagine receiving vital medicines, laboratory samples, or other medical necessities at your doorstep without the hassle of traffic or delays. That’s the future Wing and Apian are working towards.

Their drones are poised to take off in parts of South Dublin, with an eye to serve regions in the UK eventually.

“This efficient network, leveraging Wing’s aircraft and automation, will serve to improve the patient experience while reducing traffic congestion and emissions in the community,” affirmed Shannon Nash, Chief Financial Officer of Wing.

The company isn’t entirely new to Europe. Wing made its mark last year when it tested its commercial drone delivery in a suburb just north of Dublin, following some initial trials in Finland.

However, the Dublin skies are somewhat crowded, with Irish start-up Manna also vying for a piece of the drone delivery pie.

Nash emphasizes the game-changing potential of their services, saying, “Together, Wing and Apian believe that healthcare should benefit from on-demand delivery much like consumers do in their personal lives.” She envisions a world where receiving medical supplies feels as effortless as ordering a product online. With drones, Nash sees an opportunity to offer “a faster, more reliable, lower-cost solution than ground-based alternatives.” She further highlighted the environmental benefits, stating that drone deliveries “can provide a faster, more reliable, lower-cost solution than ground-based alternatives.”

Interestingly, Wing’s European journey is guided by a regulatory framework provided by the EU. However, they’re not limiting their vision to just EU nations. A move to the UK is apparemment on the horizon, especially with Apian’s existing ties to the NHS, the UK’s health service.

Haye Kesteloo, Founder and Senior Editor of DroneXL holding the Wing Delivery Drone at Oshkosh 2023.

To wrap up, with partnerships and trials in place, the skies of Europe might soon be buzzing with drones, ensuring patients receive timely care. The future of healthcare delivery is indeed looking up!