Providing supplies to crisis regions is an enormous logistical challenge, especially regarding the last mile. Unfortunately, the services provided are often insufficient to meet the needs of the approximately 100 million people in crisis areas who require emergency relief each year. Rhenus has acquired a strategic stake in Wings for Aid, an innovative company that uses cargo drones for delivery to improve the reliability of emergency aid supplies.
The logistics specialist will oversee the logistics operations for humanitarian support projects and collaborate with Wings for Aid to establish regional and in-field support bases. Wings for Aid has developed a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) and intelligent technologies that can transport up to 160 kilograms per flight over a range of 250 kilometres. Their system also includes an innovative, award-winning patented cardboard delivery box that eliminates the need for a parachute during airdrops. This partnership between Rhenus and Wings for Aid allows them to transport 20-kilogram boxes filled with emergency relief supplies to previously inaccessible locations.
“It’s our goal to be able to be on the ground anywhere in the world within 72 hours to deliver emergency aid. Rhenus is helping us with its expertise and global network so that we can transport our system to the response area quickly and efficiently,” says Barry Koperberg, the General Manager of Wings for Aid, explaining the significance of the latest development.
By signing this agreement, both partners are strengthening their existing relationship that began in 2018. They share a common goal of providing last-mile delivery solutions for emergency relief goods to disaster regions that are difficult to access. Additionally, this system is also effective for delivering medicines to remote areas.
Frank Roderkerk, the CEO of North-West Europe at Rhenus Air & Ocean, emphasises the importance of humanitarian work. “The logistics operations account for about 80 per cent of the costs when transporting aid supplies. In this respect, Rhenus and Wings for Aid can significantly benefit people in need.”
The Remotely Piloted Aircraft System is currently being tested. Rhenus and Wings for Aid plan to use it for humanitarian operations in Q4 of 2023.
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