Cargo Drones
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Speedbird Aero and Skyports Drone Services have commenced a major drone delivery operations trial in New York City in partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The twelve-month trial involves the transport of light cargo between Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Marine Terminal. Operations take place on weekdays along a fixed overwater route designed to avoid residential areas. All flights are conducted under the supervision of certified Skyports drone pilots and maintain approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.
This initiative establishes New York City as one of the first major metropolitan areas to integrate drone-based logistics into an urban transportation ecosystem. The Port Authority is utilizing the program to assess the viability of drone cargo routes that could support public-benefit deliveries throughout the region. Key objectives include reducing road congestion, enabling low-carbon logistics, and exploring alternatives to traditional middle-mile delivery.
“The launch of operations in New York is a defining moment for drone logistics,” said Manoel Coelho, CEO of Speedbird Aero. “Few cities present the operational complexity and logistical demand. We are proud to provide the technology that enables Skyports to integrate drone logistics safely and efficiently into one of the busiest airspaces in the world. Beginning service here demonstrates the maturity of our technology and the readiness of drone logistics to support real-world supply chains at scale.”
The program follows a two-week proof-of-concept conducted in January 2026 by Skyports, in partnership with the Port Authority and NYCEDC, which used the same route and Speedbird platform. This long-term implementation aims to build a framework for continuous logistics operations rather than isolated demonstrations.
“Around the world, drones have proven to be an effective tool for transporting critical cargo, offering a faster and cleaner alternative to traditional road transport,” said Alex Brown, CEO of Skyports Drone Services. “Whether navigating dense urban environments or challenging terrain, drones have the potential to transform middle-mile logistics. We look forward to demonstrating this potential in New York over the next 12 months.”
Speedbird’s technology is currently utilized in various global operations, including commercial drone delivery for the Royal Mail in the U.K.’s Orkney Islands, remote healthcare logistics in Belgium, and ship-to-shore missions in Singapore. These Beyond Visual Line of Sight missions are underpinned by globally recognized safety protocols, including the Specific Operations Risk Assessment framework.
“This is building a framework that can support a long-term logistics network,” added Coelho. “Just as trucks and aircraft operate under standardized systems, drones are now entering a phase where they can support real supply chains—not just demonstrations.”
Operations are based at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, providing a foundation for potential future expansion across additional boroughs and regional hubs. The project was executed with extensive outreach to local regulators, law enforcement, and community groups to ensure total alignment.
