Drone Delivery Canada Corp. (DDC) has completed its first demonstration in the US with the West Michigan Delivery MMFP pilot project.

DDC collaborated with operational partners Workhorse Aero, Airspace Link and Caduceus Medical Logistics, as well as community partners West Michigan Regional Airport, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan office of Future Mobility & Electrification, Next Energy and Lakeshore Advantage for the project.

DDC said it flew its Sparrow RPA, and Workhorse Aero flew its Horsefly RPA to successfully demonstrate the delivery of medical products and handoff to Caduceus Medical Logistics in Holland, Michigan.

"The initiative aimed to demonstrate the efficiency and viability of incorporating drone delivery for medical supplies, showcasing a flight route of 0.67 miles (1.1 km) compared to a 1.2 mile (1.9 km) traditional driving route," DDC said in the announcement.

It added that Caduceus Medical Logistics — the medical ground courier operator — tested drone delivery integration capabilities for autonomous and route delivery extension as well as the use of electric vehicles for CO2 emissions reduction.

The operation leveraged Airspace Link’s AirHub® Portal digital infrastructure platform to generate a comprehensive analysis of the ground and air risks existing within the City of Holland and specific areas of operations.

The digital platform enabled the project team to ensure the safety and efficiency of the drone deliveries.

DDC noted that the project accomplished a total of 23 deliveries over 2 days.

All demonstrations conducted during the pilot project strictly adhered to 14 CFR Part 107 regulations, ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines for unmanned aerial systems.

"The successful pilot project represents a significant step forward in the integration of drone technology into our daily lives, particularly in the critical field of medical product transportation," said Steve Magirias, CEO of Drone Delivery Canada.

"We are grateful for the collaboration with our operational and community partners, as well as the support from regulatory bodies, which has made this achievement possible. I also want to commend our DDC operators that received their US Part 107 certification in support of this effort."

Michael Healander, president and CEO of Airspace Link, noted that the collaboration showcases Airspace Link's "commitment to revolutionizing logistics."

"By pioneering safety-focused digital solutions using AirHub® Portal, we're reshaping how communities access critical supplies, setting the stage for a future where efficiency and accessibility intersect effortlessly into the national airspace," he said.

The West Michigan Drone Delivery MMFP pilot project sets the stage for future advancements in autonomous aerial deliveries, emphasizing the potential for increased efficiency, reduced environmental impact and improved accessibility in medical supply chain logistics.