Norwegian company Aviant’s drone
Norwegian drone delivery startup Aviant is expanding its service to the ski resort town of Lillehammer to further expand the reach of its drones.
Lillehammer is a popular destination for skiers in Norway, and the expansion there will enable the delivery of food, groceries and medicine to both residents and tourists, the company said.
Users can order delivery through Aviant’s Kyte app. Aviant has partnered with four retailers and local restaurants for drone delivery using its app. The company’s drones can carry a payload of 1.5 kg, or about 3 pounds, and have an average delivery time of 24 minutes.
Aviant’s drone service had its origins during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering medical supplies during lockdown restrictions, and has since undergone initial testing in the city of Trondheim, where the startup is headquartered. and shift to consumer goods.
Lars-Erik Fagernes, Chief Executive Officer of Aviant, said: “This is the first autonomous drone in Europe to move consumer and environmental benefits from the hypothetical stage to viable real-world applications. “This represents an important moment for shipping.”
Aviant said it has an advantage over other drone delivery companies because it can operate in the winter conditions familiar to Norwegians. The company says its drones can operate in sub-zero temperatures of -15°C (5°F) and in strong winds of up to 12m/s.
“While some may sympathize with the Norwegians for their harsh weather, these conditions have allowed us to develop unique drones that are born to withstand conditions that would leave others sitting on the ground. We did it,” Fagernes added.
“We now have the world’s longest range autonomous drone delivery service, so this can no longer be thought of as a gimmick limited by distance or climate, supporting businesses and people while reducing emissions.” We plan to expand beyond Norway soon.” ”
Elsewhere in Europe, Irish drone delivery startup Manna operates in its home Irish market and plans to expand to other European countries, while Alphabet-owned drone delivery company Wing It also operates in Ireland.
Drone delivery has generated a lot of promise over the past decade, but there have been many stops and starts as the industry finds the right product-market fit.
Fagernes says a tipping point has arrived for drone delivery, making it more viable for business.
Drone delivery startups and advocates are also quick to point out that drones are more environmentally friendly than ground transportation, with Aviant claiming its drones emit 99% less emissions than cars.
Fagernes started Avianto alongside Herman Oye Kolden and Bernhard Paus Griesdal. All three are former MIT students.
The startup recently raised more than $3 million in public funding from Innovation Norway, along with backers including Luminar Ventures and Bring Ventures.
