Malta is set to launch its first drone delivery service within weeks, with the company behind the initiative promising to significantly reduce the time needed to transport medical supplies between hospitals. Flying ZERO, the company spearheading the project, plans to operate a fleet of drones to deliver goods across the country.

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Alexander Esslinger, a former commercial pilot and the company’s CEO, revealed that the initial demonstration will involve delivering critical medical supplies between two private hospitals. He added that the company hopes to commence commercial operations just days after completing the final test.

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The company will initially deploy four drones, each capable of carrying up to three kilograms over distances of up to 120 kilometers. Their long-term plan includes expanding services to Gozo and beyond, with future drone models able to transport heavier loads—up to 15 kilograms—over shorter distances of 50 kilometers.

Esslinger emphasized the broader potential of the service, including delivering spare parts and supplies not just on land, but also for shore-to-ship and ship-to-ship deliveries. Items such as fuel samples and medical supplies could be transported to vessels within Maltese waters.

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While Flying ZERO is eyeing consumer-facing delivery services in the future, Esslinger explained that such operations are currently unfeasible due to regulatory challenges and the company’s relatively small scale. For now, the service will connect only two locations—St James Hospitals in Żejtun and Sliema—along a predefined flight path approved by authorities after environmental assessments and consultations with groups like Birdlife Malta.

At launch, drone deliveries will cost €39 for delivery within four hours and €69 for immediate service, although Esslinger noted that future costs could be reduced to as low as €5 according to studies by accounting firms.

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Highlighting the company’s eco-friendly approach, Esslinger said that the drones will be charged using solar power generated at the launch sites in Żejtun and Sliema, with energy storage capacity for up to 48 hours of operations. Each 35 kilometers flown is expected to save more than four kilograms of CO2 emissions compared to traditional delivery methods.

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However, the use of drones equipped with cameras for piloting purposes may raise privacy concerns. Esslinger confirmed that flight footage will be recorded for insurance purposes but will be deleted after successful flights. He pointed out that similar surveillance systems, like CCTV on buses, are widely accepted.

The initial drone route between St James Hospitals will take just seven minutes, significantly faster than the 20-minute drive, which can be much longer during periods of heavy traffic.

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Flying ZERO conducted its first test flight last summer in Ta’ Qali and plans to complete a final test flight for Malta’s transport authorities by the end of October. Final approval from Transport Malta is required before full operations can commence.

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Addressing safety concerns, Esslinger clarified that while the company operates the drones, they rely on tested and certified drone technology, similar to how airlines like Air Malta operate aircraft.

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The routes have been carefully planned to avoid densely populated areas, buildings, and other hazards, ensuring minimal risk to people and property on the ground.