Ameriflight Takes Supply Chain to New Heights with Revolutionary Cargo Drone Services

Dallas-based cargo airline, Ameriflight, has signed a letter of intent to purchase 35 air cargo drones from Sabrewing Aircraft Company as it expands its expedited supply chain services. The medium-lift Alpha Rhaegal-A cargo drone has a remarkable payload capacity of over 2,000 pounds and can be powered by a blend of traditional and sustainable aviation fuel. The unique capabilities of the Alpha aircraft, such as its vertical landing and takeoff abilities, will enable Ameriflight to quickly transport cargo to off-airport alternative landing zones, thereby assisting shippers in developing a more efficient warehouse distribution network.

According to Ed De Reyes, CEO of Sabrewing, warehouses typically ship 1,500 to 2,500 pounds of cargo at a time, making the Alpha drone an ideal solution for their needs. The cargo bay of the Alpha is also easily accessible from the ground and does not require special loading equipment, making loading and unloading the aircraft faster and more efficient. The purchase of these 35 cargo drones is Ameriflight's second drone purchase agreement this year, as the company seeks to diversify its aviation services and explore new business opportunities in the field of distribution center logistics.

Ameriflight's customers include UPS, and the company plans to use the aircraft's vertical landing and takeoff capabilities to quickly transport cargo to off-airport alternative landing zones. This will provide shippers with a more efficient warehouse distribution network and help to streamline their operations. The delivery of the Alpha aircraft is expected to follow Type Certification, which is expected to be 18 months after the receipt of a Type Inspection Authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration. If everything goes according to plan, the delivery could be as early as December 2024.

This is not the first time Ameriflight has made a move towards expanding its expedited supply chain services through the use of cargo drones. The company announced earlier this year that it had agreed to purchase 20 Kona cargo drones from Natilus in the United States. The 3.8-ton payload short-haul feeder cargo aircraft aims to provide customers with more diverse e-commerce solutions.

Cargo drone companies have seized opportunities presented by carriers and other supply chain stakeholders seeking to expand their last-mile and express logistics networks. For example, MightyFly, a San Francisco-based drone developer, unveiled its second-generation aircraft in January, complete with a cargo bay large enough to hold 96 small USPS packages. The use of cargo drones is becoming increasingly popular as companies seek to streamline their operations and provide faster and more efficient services to their customers.

In conclusion, Ameriflight's purchase of 35 air cargo drones from Sabrewing Aircraft Company is a significant step towards expanding its expedited supply chain services. The capabilities of the Alpha Rhaegal-A cargo drone, such as its vertical landing and takeoff abilities and efficient cargo bay, make it an ideal solution for shippers looking to streamline their warehouse distribution network. The delivery of the aircraft is expected to follow Type Certification and could be as early as December 2024.