Airbus to study use of aircraft or unmanned systems to deliver medical supplies
18 / 07 / 2018
Airbus and International SOS, the medical and security risk services company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly study the viability of using aircraft or unmanned systems to deliver medical cargo and supplies.
Under the agreement, signed at the Farnborough International Airshow, Airbus will help to define and install reliable aircraft or unmanned aerial medical cargo deliveries as part of International SOS MedSupply services.
MedSupply deploys medical supplies, specialist medical care and equipment to meet the requirements of preventive health programme or in support of a medical emergency in urban as well as unfamiliar and remote locations. The studies will look into both urban to rural and ship to shore deliveries.
MedSupply deploys medical supplies, specialist medical care and equipment to meet the requirements of preventive health programme or in support of a medical emergency in urban as well as unfamiliar and remote locations. The studies will look into both urban to rural and ship to shore deliveries.
A joint statement said that Airbus and International SOS will "collaborate on safe, secure and enterprise drone delivery for hub to hub distribution of medical cargo," compliant with local regulatory bodies, as International SOS have global operations worldwide in emergency evacuation or medical resupplying.
“We hope to develop a viable business partnership where we can assist International SOS with unmanned medical cargo delivery. This means using our cutting edge technology to potentially save lives, and transform the medical and travel security industry,” said Dirk Hoke, chief executive, Airbus Defence and Space.
Arnaud Vaissié, chief executive, chairman and co-founder of International SOS, said: “Bringing together the Airbus expertise in securing aerial deliveries, and our global infrastructure assisting clients worldwide, is a clear move towards a greater efficiency. We are always striving to provide our clients with excellent customer service and this innovative venture will enable us to look into furthering our capabilities and enhancing our service.”
Potential medical cargo delivery pilot cases are being explored in Singapore and Indonesia. Airbus and International SOS will work with the local civil aviation and maritime authorities in both countries to develop these capabilities. If successful, this could be extended to International SOS operations globally.
