Manna Aero And Wolt Team Up For Record-Breaking Winter Drone Delivery Pilot In Finland

European drone delivery leader Manna Aero has taken a significant leap forward in extreme weather operations by partnering with technology company Wolt to launch winter drone delivery testing in Finland. The pilot program, set to commence January 2025 in Espoo’s Niittykumpu district, aims to validate drone delivery capabilities in the harsh Nordic winter conditions that often challenge traditional logistics.

The company builds on its extensive experience of over 250,000 successful deliveries across Ireland and the United States. Its EASA-certified delivery drones will operate at altitudes between 197-230 feet, reaching speeds of up to 50 mph to provide rapid food and goods delivery.

Manna Aero’s unique delivery mechanism involves descending to approximately 49 feet above the delivery location before lowering packages via a tether system. This approach ensures safe separation from ground obstacles while maintaining reliable package handoff, even in winter conditions where visibility may be compromised.

The pilot program addresses several critical technical challenges unique to cold weather drone operations, including battery performance in low temperatures, airframe operation in potential icing conditions, and maintaining reliable communications in adverse weather. To tackle these complex issues, Manna Aero aims to establish a robust foundation for year-round drone delivery capabilities.

Regulatory compliance is also crucial, with the program benefiting from Manna Aero’s existing EASA certification. However, winter operations may require additional safety protocols, emphasizing the importance of thorough safety assessment and operational refinement. Initial flights will focus on technical validation rather than commercial service, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the drones’ performance in extreme weather conditions.

The environmental impact data is particularly noteworthy, with Manna Aero reporting an 85% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional vehicle deliveries. This efficiency gain becomes especially relevant in urban environments like Espoo, where winter conditions often exacerbate traffic congestion and associated emissions.

Finland’s diverse winters provide the ideal testing environment for demonstrating that drones can be a reliable solution in northern regions. Antti Kosonen, Head of Product Development at Wolt, notes, “This program showcases the potential of drones to navigate challenging climates, paving the way for expanded commercial services.”

The success of this pilot could have significant implications for the drone delivery industry, potentially establishing new benchmarks for cold weather operations and expanding the viable operational envelope for commercial drone services. By addressing critical technical and operational challenges, Manna Aero brings the industry closer to realizing year-round drone delivery capabilities.

As the drone industry continues to push toward all-weather delivery capabilities, this pilot represents a crucial step forward. It has the potential to open new markets for autonomous delivery services while improving the overall efficiency of drone operations in extreme weather environments.