NEXT DELIVERY tests multiple aircraft monitoring by one remote pilot

NEXT DELIVERY Co., Ltd. of Japan has announced it will operate a system in which one remote pilot can operate and monitor multiple aircraft by December 2024.

The company is currently mainly operating logistics drones at level 3.5, which uses digital technology to enable drone-based delivery of goods.

On May 19, the company conducted a drone delivery demonstration flight in Kamishihoro Town, Hokkaido, using the AirTruck, a logistics drone developed in Japan by Aeronext Co., Ltd., with one remote pilot operating and monitoring two drones. 

Taro Kono, Japan’s Minister of Digital Affairs, was present at the event. After observing the multiple aircraft operation, Minister Kono said that he was able to confirm that Level 3.5 operations are being put into practical use. “As of now, areas where the population is decreasing are already using drone delivery technology.” 

NEXT DELIVERY aims to implement multiple aircraft operations with one pilot monitoring approximately five delivery drones by the end of the year in order to increase efficiency and commercialisation and reduce operating costs.