Dronamics, the world’s first licensed cargo drone airline, has begun the development of its Global Network Operations Centre (GNOC) at Malta International Airport, supported by a grant awarded by Malta Enterprise.

The planning and coordination of the company’s global fleet of drones will take place from the Maltese GNOC, which will be the first of its kind in the world and “reinforce both Dronamics’ and Malta’s positions at the forefront of aviation innovation.”

The grant from Malta Enterprise will support its setup and development, with planned entry into service in 2024.

The GNOC will coordination the all-in-one solution being developed by Dronamics for the middle-mile cargo transport segment, using its Black Swan long-range cargo drone, developed in-house, and its droneports network.

Dronamics says it is on a mission to make more affordable, more efficient and more sustainable freight possible, especially for remote and underserved communities.

The company is set to commence its first commercial operations in Greece at the beginning of 2024, with subsequent expansions across the Mediterranean and Europe. Malta is expected to continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of cargo drone deliveries, with its strategic positioning and its role as a thriving aviation hub making it a key focal point for Dronamics' air freight operations.

"Malta has proven to be a trusted partner in our mission to redefine air cargo logistics,” said Kenneth Chircop, General Manager for Dronamics in Malta. The grant from Malta Enterprise is a testament to their commitment to innovation and will significantly contribute to the development of our Global Network Operation Centre, supporting our innovation drive to transform the industry.”

Malta Enterprise CEO Kurt Farrugia welcomed the investment, stressing that the news is one of the first steps in creating an innovative mobility hub in Malta - especially in the new emerging economic niche:

“Since 2021 Malta Enterprise has teamed up with other Maltese entities in pushing for our islands and territorial waters to act as a space where companies can ‘Build - Test – Train’ novel technologies safely. We are now proud to welcome and support Dronamics in joining our ecosystem. 

“Our support to this Operation Centre will not only see Malta becoming an important hub for this promising scale-up, as it enacts the impressive set of collaborations across the supply chain, but it will also create the type of careers that we are after. Financially rewarding job openings offering our youths the opportunity to be involved in global innovation from our very own shores”.

About Dronamics

Dronamics Airlines Europe Ltd, Europe’s first licensed cargo drone airline and IATA’s first Strategic Partner for drones worldwide, has been registered and based in Malta since 2022 and was awarded a Light UAS Certificate (LUC) from Transport Malta, which is valid in all EASA countries.

The company has successfully set up its European Operations team in the region and, with the establishment of the world's first Global Network Operations Center (GNOC) in Malta, it plans to further grow its local team.

Аs a leading developer and operator of large, long-range drones built specifically for cargo, its flagship Black Swan aircraft will carry up to 350kg (770lb) at a distance of up to 2,500km (1,550mi) which is estimated to be up to 80 per cent faster, 50 per cent cheaper and with up to 60 per cent lower emissions than alternative modes of transport, including airfreight.

Dronamics’ technology enables same-day shipping over long distances for a variety of industries: from pharma to food, from e-commerce, mail and parcels, to spare parts. The company’s fast-growing team includes some of the most experienced aerospace, logistics and technology experts.

Dronamics is co-funded by the European Union under the prestigious European Innovation Council, Europe’s flagship innovation program.