Norwegian drone delivery start-up, Aviant, is making waves in the industry with its recent expansion to the ski resort town of Lillehammer in Norway. This move signifies a significant step forward for autonomous drone delivery services in Europe.
Aviant's drones, which can carry a payload of up to 1.5kg, are now offering deliveries of food, groceries, and medicines to both residents and tourists in Lillehammer. Users can conveniently place their orders through Aviant's Kyte app, which has already partnered with four retailers and local restaurants for seamless drone deliveries.
One of Aviant's key advantages is its ability to operate in challenging winter conditions, a common feature of Norwegian life. The company's drones are designed to withstand sub-zero temperatures as low as -15°C and high winds up to 12 m/s, making them well-suited for the Norwegian climate.
With an average delivery time of 24 minutes, Aviant's drone service has proven to be efficient and reliable. The company initially focused on delivering medical supplies during the Covid-19 pandemic before expanding into consumer goods.
According to Aviant's CEO, Lars Erik Fagernæs, the time for drone delivery has arrived, marking a turning point for the industry. The company's drones are not only environmentally friendly, with 99% fewer emissions than cars, but also offer the longest-distance autonomous drone delivery service in the world.
Aviant has raised over $3 million in funding, including support from Innovation Norway, Luminar Ventures, and Bring Ventures. The start-up's success in Norway has paved the way for future expansion beyond the country's borders.
As Aviant continues to revolutionize the drone delivery landscape, other players in the industry, such as Manna in Ireland and Wing in Finland, are also making strides in the European market. With the potential to transform the way goods are transported, drone delivery is poised to become a key player in the future of logistics.
