A pioneering project using drones to deliver medical supplies
across Scotland has been heralded as a “technological revolution”
by the Minister for Aviation and Maritime in his first official visit to
the region (27 August 2024).
Meeting with Andy Cliffe, CEO of AGS Airports - which operates
Aberdeen International Airport - to celebrate the airport's
90th anniversary, the Minister is expected to see a series
of measures in place to support regional connectivity across the
UK, including a project trialling the use of drones to deliver
medical supplies to remote locations across Scotland.
Spearheaded by the airport, Project CAELUS is backed by over £7
million in UK government funding, helping to revolutionise
aviation and accelerate the development of drones across multiple
industries.
In a ground-breaking first for Scotland, laboratory samples have
been flown from Edinburgh to Melrose by drones, thanks to the
project. A journey that usually takes up to 5 hours by road
transport could now take as little as 35 minutes.
Seeing one of the project's drones first hand, the Minister will
set out his vision to continue to support the advancement and
rollout of the technologies across the UK to boost prosperity and
economic growth across the country.
He is also expected to reiterate the Department for Transport's
continued support to work with industry on developing sustainable
solutions for regional connectivity through new technologies and
greater dependency on sustainable aviation fuels.
With Aberdeen Airport playing a key role in driving the wider
economic and social prosperity of the north east, this visit
marks a significant step in the UK Government's efforts to
strengthen aviation infrastructure and bolster economic
growth in the region.
Minister for Aviation and Maritime said:
Aberdeen has demonstrated what the next era of aviation can look
like with its successful medical drone delivery
trials.
I want to help all players in the industry across the country to
embrace these innovative solutions that enhance regional
connectivity and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Andy Cliffe, CEO of AGS Airports, said:
It is well established that a region with strong connectivity
will enjoy increased levels of trade and tourism. Since the first
flight took to the skies in 1934, the airport has been integral
to the success of the region and the Minister's support for
further enhancing the north east's links is extremely welcome.
We also recognise the airport has a much wider role to play
beyond supporting economic growth; it can mobilise and drive
change for the better.
Fostering innovation is one of the ways we can achieve this and
through Project CAELUS we have a real opportunity to
revolutionise the way in which healthcare services are delivered
across Scotland.
Whilst in Aberdeen, the Minister will also be visiting Port of
Aberdeen to host a roundtable with key Scottish representatives
about the ambitions, challenges and insights for the future of
maritime.
In his opening remarks, Kane will outline his own vision –
emphasising the importance of innovation, sustainability, and
collaboration between government and industry to ensure the UK
remains a global leader.
With an ambition to be the UK's first net zero port by 2040, Port
of Aberdeen has already undergone several transformations to
become a leader in clean maritime.
Thanks to £3 million from the Department for Transport's Zero Emission Vessels and
Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition, the port has officially
started construction of Scotland's largest commercial shore power
system.
Set to deliver its first power in March 2025, the system will
supply clean electricity to vessels and reduce their carbon
emissions at berth by more than 80% - keeping Aberdeen at the
forefront of renewable and sustainable energy initiatives.
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen said:
We are delighted to welcome Minister Kane to Port of Aberdeen on
his first visit to Scotland to see first hand how we are
catalysing sustainable economic growth and driving energy
transition.
The ZEVI shore power demonstrator project is an important
milestone on our road to net zero by 2040, and one of three
ongoing projects to install shore power at nine berth berths.
Developing green infrastructure at scale will require significant
investment, public and private sector partnership, and
legislation at a UK and international level.
