Astral Aviation banks on cargo drones to cut costs
Kenyan based aviation firm, Astral Aviation, has pre-ordered a 3.8-tonne cargo drone in a brave move set to spur competition and trigger appetite for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).
Natilus, the US firm producing the first purposefully designed aircraft for air freight transport says it has “advanced purchase commitments of more than $6 billion (Sh682 billion) for the delivery of more than 440 aircraft in pre-orders, from companies including major airlines”.
SingularityHub, a top online tech website, says Astral is among three aviation companies that have already placed their orders for the UAV from San Diego-based manufacturer.
“Some of the customers that recently pre-ordered aircraft from Natilus include Kenyan cargo airline Astral Aviation, drone services provider Volatus Aerospace- slated in the first production slot for a 3.8 ton plane- and freight forwarding company Flexport,” says tech website SingularityHub.
The move comes as analysts reckon such cargo drones will radically improve the cargo and transportation landscape since they offer futuristic self-governing quality services.
The planes will have the capability to fly short, medium and long ranges, with a payload of 60, 100 and 130 tones, offering competition to conventional freight carriers operated especially by Kenya Airways (KQ) and Ethiopian Airlines.
Natilus has completed two wind tunnel tests to validate its aircraft and is planning for the first flight of a full scale prototype to take place in 2023.
The company plans to make four different aircrafts including a 3.8 tonne short haul plane, a 60 tonne medium to long range plane as well as 100 and 130 tonne long range planes.
Captain Chris Kariuki, formerly with KQ says Astra has the capability to operate the UAV through its experience in Ethiopia where they engage in relief operations.
“I know they are big in Ethiopia where they operate drones which are controlled from Kenya,” said Kariuki.
Reduce delivery time
Kariuki said the cargo planes will be cheaper to operate in contrast to a Boeing that carries 40 tonnes of cargo, but would attract almost similar insurance charges for cargo and buildings.
However, they will reduce delivery time, have less negative impact on the environment and deliver transport on demand.
When Natilus announced the Sh682 billion pre-order, the firm said the drones can carry 60 per cent more cargo than existing freight aircraft, while cutting costs by 60 per cent, and carbon emissions by 50 per cent. Natilus chief executive Aleksey Matyushev said sea freight was 13 times cheaper than air, though it takes 50 times as long.
“Natilus intends to revolutionise the transport industry by providing the timeliness of air freight at an affordable cost reduction of 60 per cent, making air cargo transportation substantially more competitive,”said Matyushev.
Nautilus banks on greater efficiency and cost-savings by providing fully autonomous aircraft and remote piloting for additional security, allowing for substantial scaling of operations for air freight.
When contacted however, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Director General Gilbert Kibe said Kenya’s laws have no provision for the drones which are due to enter service in 2025.
The regulator issued Astral the first license for commercial drone operations in April last year after adoption of regulations that guide UAVs. Astral runs its drone business through its subsidiary, Astral Aerial Solution.
“These types of drones are planned to enter service from 2025. We have not received an application for importation or operating such drones. It is too early for that,” said Kibe.
