© Third Element Aviation

My co-founder Benjamin Wiens and I had the idea for logistics by drone back in 2017 when we founded Third Element Aviation. Our first project was a concept for in-house spare parts logistics. A lot has happened since then: in terms of technology, organization and also the legal situation. This was an important prerequisite for being able to realize our idea. This is because the requirements for drone logistics are very different from those for "typical" drone applications "on sight", such as roof inspections. There is therefore a separate approval process for transport logistics and all other applications that are automated and therefore take place beyond the pilot's visual line of sight (BVLOS). This assesses the risks in the air and on the ground and the risk management. Only with the right technology, the right procedures and training can drone operations be set up, even in ambitious scenarios. That is absolutely right: If drones fly completely automatically over people's heads, then it must be safe and properly regulated. Unfortunately, the past few years have been very confusing due to many new regulations and changes in the legal situation, which is already slowing down innovation. On the other hand, a situation like this requires companies like us to actively participate and find ways through the "jungle of approvals", which also helps others.

From Borkum to Berchtesgaden: Operation over long distances possible

We have done real pioneering work with Koerschulte: It is the first commercial scheduled flight service in Germany that is also permitted to fly in populated areas with transport drones in the demanding SAIL III risk category. We worked closely with the German Federal Aviation Authority (LBA) throughout the entire approval process. On this basis, Koerschulte's operations can even be extended to the whole of Germany: from the North Sea island of Borkum to Berchtesgaden, everything is possible. The license can be extended to include further flight areas at any time. It is also possible to enter the approval process with other customers and partners, thus opening up new potential in their logistics. This is because the processes are now established and tried and tested - not least thanks to our pioneering work.

SAIL III is just the beginning, as it is theoretically "only" one of six different approval categories (from I low risk to VI high risk) for the operation of drones. In practice, however, SAIL III is currently the highest category for which permits are issued. For the first time, BVLOS operations are now also possible over residential and industrial areas - where the relevant applications and customers for drones are actually to be found. A word about the risk: this depends on the size and weight of the drone and therefore on the maximum load it is permitted to carry and the type of area over which it flies. The latest technologies and monitoring methods will make drone transportation ever safer in the future, literally giving logistics a boost. Together with Koerschulte, for example, we want to tackle further projects and the next challenge: SAIL IV.

There is great potential in the B2B sector in particular

Overall, the potential for drone logistics is huge, especially in the B2B sector. While classic use cases such as roof inspections or filming are already working well, new technologies and the new regulatory options are now creating the basis for completely different markets. By 2025, one in three drones will be used in B2B, compared to just one in nine in 2023. The logistics market in particular is growing. Allied Market Research estimates annual growth of more than 20 percent by 2030. At the same time, there are far too few providers for this potential. That's why I'm delighted with every assignment and every realized project - whether with us or a competitor. After all, to come back to the introduction, drone logistics offers many advantages: roads are relieved, emissions are reduced and processes run more smoothly thanks to fast transportation. Drone solutions can make an innovative, highly flexible and green contribution to just-in-time logistics in particular. We should take advantage of this.