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Netherlands Launches Yearlong Medical Drone Pilot With First Cargo Flight Between Isala Hospitals

Flights use a temporary air corridor under remote control to cut delivery times for samples and medicines.

Overview

  • The inaugural run on September 22 transported blood samples and medicines between Isala sites in Meppel and Zwolle.
  • ANWB Medical Air Assistance operates the BVLOS flights within an LVNL-managed corridor using KPN connectivity.
  • The one-year program will evaluate operational safety, regulatory integration, and the impact on laboratory sample quality.
  • Typical runs fly at about 100 meters and 100 km/h, covering the route in roughly 20 minutes; the reported aircraft is the Rigitech Eiger 3 with about a 3 kg insulated payload capacity.
  • Officials describe a stepwise approach with any expansion to additional corridors contingent on trial results and safety findings.