Dallas-based cargo airline Ameriflight has signed a letter of intent to buy 35 vertical take-off and landing drones from Sabrewing Aircraft.
Ameriflight is the country’s largest Part 135 cargo airline, meaning that it provides commercial, non-scheduled flights, including private air taxis and chartered flights, according to PrivateFly.
Ameriflight’s agreement with Sabrewing is an order for 35 Rhaegal-A aircraft, and the company said it expects to take delivery of the planes following certification by the FAA, according to FlightGlobal.
Ameriflight operates roughly 150 aircraft and carries cargo for the major shipping giants, FedEx, UPS, and DHL, FlightGlobal reported.
The company said in a press release that its new cargo drones will enable it to “enter into new business opportunities in distribution center logistics.”
“Adding this advanced aircraft to our portfolio will complement our fleet and increase our assortment of assets, allowing us to expand our service areas through the development of warehouse distribution operations,” Alan Rusinowitz, Ameriflight’s COO, said in the press release.
“With a payload capability of 2,000+ pounds, the Rhaegal-A is perfectly suited for the medium lift category operation. Sabrewing’s record-setting technology guiding Rhaegal-A as the world’s first autonomous cargo aircraft capable of both vertical and conventional take-off is an incredible milestone, and we are excited to partner with them on this new fleet,” Rusinowitz added.
California-based Sabrewing conducted its first hover flight with its Rhaegal-A in September 2022, lifting a world-record 829 pounds, the company said in a press release.
“We’re committed to developing advanced, versatile, and efficient air cargo solutions with our best-in-class Rhaegal aircraft that maximize on long range, payload capacity, and sustainable fuel efficiency to successfully deliver on a range of cargo missions,” said Sabrewing CEO Ed De Reyes said in the press release.
“We’re excited to be at the forefront of autonomous innovation and to have Ameriflight at our side, with this new agreement marking the Alpha’s first American launch customer.”
Pending certification from the FAA, Sabrewing plans to deliver the drones in the first quarter of 2024, according to FlightGlobal.
Ameriflight said the drones can carry over one ton of cargo to “alternative landing zones,” enabling customers to build better delivery networks, the company said, as per FlightGlobal.
“For Ameriflight, this will be a complementary service, not replacing their current flying operation, aircraft, or pilots,” Ameriflight said in the press release. “The company’s goal is to build diversified aviation services.”
Last month, Ameriflight also reached an agreement to purchase 20 conceptual autonomous cargo planes from California-based Natilus, FlightGlobal reported.
That deal was for Natilus’ Kona turboprop regional aircraft, Natilus said in a press release.
Natilus valued the deal at $134 million.
