ANA Holdings is working with Wingcopter, a drone manufacturer, on a new aircraft as the number of unmanned aerial vehicle projects ramp up.

The Japanese airline group said that the two firms are conducting trials with the electrical fixed-wing VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft developed by Wingcopter, with the mission of building a drone delivery network capable of serving needs across Japan.

The drones are targeted for urgent delivery of vital pharmaceuticals and other consumer products to remote locations across the country.

The first phase of the trial was conducted between Fukuejima and Hisakajima in Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture, last March 21-26.

ANA said the ongoing trials will help it determine which aircraft are suited to operate best in each region of the country, evaluating local weather conditions and demand for drone delivery, as it establishes a series of hubs along with the transportation network.

“The flights demonstrated the viability of drone delivery for medical supplies, dramatically reducing patients’ waiting times,” ANA said.

“In this remote region of Japan, it is difficult to quickly transport medical supplies due to poor infrastructure. This has created problems for public health officials and medical professionals looking to rapidly respond in situations where time is a key factor in treatment.”

Tetsuya Kubo, vice president of ANA Holdings, overseeing its Digital Design Lab said the ongoing tests represent a significant step forward in the “creation of a viable drone transportation network.” 

“Once fully realized, a functioning drone transportation infrastructure will help improve quality of life in rural areas across Japan,” Kubo added.

In 2016, ANA already laid a framework for its drone transportation infrastructure, with the aim of fully commercialising drone delivery services by next year.