The Future of Drone Delivery

Drones Are the
“New Societal Infrastructure.”

The Aeronext Group views drone delivery from the broad perspective of “building a new societal infrastructure” from the logistics point of view. We are already beyond demonstration testing and focusing on practical application and actual implementation in society. As the birthrate declines and the population ages, our drones will reach out not only to those who are vulnerable with regard to logistics, but also to those who are vulnerable with regard to access to shopping, medical care, and even disasters. The Aeronext Group is already providing services to residents in multiple areas, and will continue to expand our coverage to more areas to maintain the convenience of daily life for residents, and in the event of an emergency, contribute by rapidly delivering supplies and medicines to areas that are difficult to access.

Opening the Door to Next-Generation
Logistics: New Smart Logistics SkyHub®

New Smart Logistics SkyHub® is an initiative to rebuild sustainable regional logistics infrastructure through an optimal mix of land and air transportation. The Aeronext Group is working with our partners to help to reduce the environmental burden and improve the sustainability of communities across Japan while confronting the challenges facing the logistics industry, such as the logistics 2024 problem, driver shortages, and rising logistics costs.

Contributions to Disaster Relief Activities
and Phase-free Initiatives

Especially in times of disaster, the Aeronext Group’s drones can be a means of quickly delivering relief supplies to isolated areas and evacuation centers, saving many lives. For example, during the Noto Peninsula earthquake, drones provided direct and rapid assistance to residents in evacuation centers and isolated areas through the delivery of medical supplies. Through this activity, the usefulness and speed of drone delivery was reaffirmed. Moreover, it has been repeatedly demonstrated that the implementation of new smart logistics can be a “phase-free disaster logistics countermeasure,” in which a system is prepared in advance during normal times in preparation for contingencies.

Flight Level 3.5 and Multiple Aircraft Operation: Increasing Possibilities for the Commercialization of Drone Delivery

The Aeronext Group was the first in Japan to receive approval and conduct the first flight under the newly established “Level 3.5”. Since then, the Aeronext Group has conducted “Level 3.5” flights in areas throughout Japan, and are advancing the commercialization of drone deliveries. The introduction of Level 3.5, which relaxes or eliminates some of the Level 3 regulations with conditions, will make practical operations realistic, especially in underpopulated areas, and allow more regions to enjoy the benefits of drone delivery in the future. The Aeronext Group has also been a pioneer in the development of remote operation and monitoring systems, and has already begun testing a system that allows a single remote pilot to operate and monitor multiple aircraft (multi-aircraft operation). The Aeronext Group has a leading track record in drone delivery and Level 3.5 flight operations, and is constantly advancing its record.

Journey to a Sustainable Future:
From Underpopulated to Urban Areas　

Currently, in order to build a more prosperous and sustainable society through drones, the Aeronext Group is steadily advancing the societal implementation of drone delivery in depopulated areas through the New Smart Logistics initiative. Once we have demonstrated and confirmed what essential needs can be solved only with drones, we believe that drone delivery in urban areas will also become a reality. The Aeronext Group is committed to creating a future where drones are part of everyday life and everyone can enjoy the benefits of drones. The Aeronext Group will continue to drive the development of sustainable technologies and their implementation in society in order to realize a new economy in airspace.