On 17 June, Airbus signed a framework partnership agreement with the
Hauts-de-France region to assess the economic development potential of UAS deliveries on a regional scale.
This feasibility study is being carried out by
Hauts-de-France Innovation Development and Airbus Defence and Space subsidiary, Survey Copter. The Hauts-de-France region aims to
become the logistics hub of Europe, and so the authorities have been supporting
the concept of an ‘e-valley’ park, which will act as a logistics park for new e-commerce
services, on the site of a former Cambrai airbase.
The study involves stakeholders from the region’s economic
and academic system of logistics and retail activities, and will take place
over six months. It will identify the needs of local operators as well as the
concepts and solutions necessary to meet them, whilst keeping in mind current
and potential future regulations regarding UAVs and their use.
Following several years of research and development into
UAVs, this agreement grants Airbus the opportunity to boost its presence in the
unmanned market, specifically for industrial use.