How Skyports Drone delivery could change the way that the NHS receive patient diagnostic specimens with a helping hand from shuttlepac
Drone delivery is impacting medical testing/diagnostics. The need for faster transport times from rural medical practices to the central pathology testing lab is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
Skyports approached the shuttlepac development team with a list of requirements for a safe, UN3373 compliant rigid box that could withstand the demands of drone flight and delivery. shuttlepac created the box from prototype to manufacture delivering the solution that incorporated all the requirements for safe drone air transportation. shuttlepac provided a tailor-made, unique offering which enabled Skyports to secure CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) approval.
How did shuttlepac’s solution help Skyports gain CAA approval?
Skyports required a cost-effective UN3373 compliant payload box to deliver patient diagnostic specimens for NHS Tayside. shuttlepac were able to quickly and efficiently provide a bespoke packaging solution to fit our unique requirements, allowing us to fly patient samples up to 100km by air whilst maintaining stable transport temperatures and sample integrity.
Why was drone delivery the option, and what were your customers’ expectations?
Skyports was subcontracted to run a two-month drone delivery trial for NHS Tayside to evaluate the effectiveness of drone deliveries in medical supply chains. Skyports had to ensure that pathology samples transported by drone were kept under the same conditions expected from the existing van collection network. Samples were required to be transported at stable temperatures and zero vibration conditions. The shuttlepac solution enabled us to do just that.
What does the success of this project mean for the future of Skyports?
The success of this project enables us to continue demonstrating the benefits and easy implementation of BVLOS drone deliveries for NHS use cases. This trial is an important step in the run-up to permanent recurring operations.
How was the experience working with the shuttlepac team?
Fantastic. shuttlepac listened to our needs to meet our requirements. The second iteration of the box was ideally suited to our needs for the NHS trial, and we will turn to shuttlepac again for future packaging needs.
shuttlepac offer in-house packaging development, design to prototype. Our team works closely with the client to deliver the right solution for the product. A tailor-made, unique offering to each of our client’s needs.