Zomato, Dunzo, Swiggy & others get permits by DGCA to test for drone delivery
With the world facing unprecedented times, it is not surprising that innovation is playing a key role into forging new operating procedures. Logistics and warehousing is expected to undergo major changes to move forward in these difficult times. Imminent shortage of labour due to migrant exodus and social distancing norms is going to give rise to increased usage of new technologies such as automation, robotics and drones.
In a fillip to the drone industry, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved 13 companies to use drones to make drone deliveries as logistics are stressed during the coronavirus-induced lockdown. Some of the companies that have received this permission include food ordering apps such as Zomato and Swiggy.
A drone maker called Throttle Aerospace Systems and logistics firm Dunzo, too, received permission to conduct experiments. These 13 companies are currently going to be testing drones to clear a regulatory requirement of 100 hours of flight time by September 30. If they clear the regulations, the companies could be delivering your medicine, books, and your food by drones.
DGCA has been conducting experiments for next-generation civil aviation requirements and had invited applications for conducting
BVLOS experiments of remotely piloted aircraft in May 2019.
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