VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – This was the first time medical supplies were carried by drone on the island, as blood samples were flown between two private hospitals, marking a milestone for Malta’s healthcare and aviation sectors.
The drone, operated by SKY Mobility (Malta) Ltd through its Flying ZERO Air Services, transported blood samples from Saint James Hospital in Zejtun to the hospital’s Sliema facility, officially launching commercial drone deliveries for medical use in Malta.
The 13.4-kilometre flight took just nine minutes and 43 seconds, fulfilling the company’s commitment to cut delivery times by more than half compared to road transport. Most of the route was flown over the sea along Malta’s east coast before the drone turned inland towards Sliema.
The flight marked the start of commercial operations between Flying ZERO and Saint James Hospital, with plans for twice-daily drone flights connecting the two sites.
Flying ZERO founder and CEO Alexander Esslinger said the flight had been carried out safely and according to plan following extensive testing. He said the company was now ready to scale up operations.
The drone was remotely piloted from Zejtun at an average speed of around 28 metres per second. Remote pilot Simon Desira explained that the system allows the aircraft to hover, divert to rally points or deploy a parachute if required, with the flight path approved in advance by transport authorities.
Saint James Hospital head of laboratory services Paul Sultana said the hospital was proud to be the first in Malta to use drone transport for medical supplies, particularly for urgent testing where speed is critical. He said the service could eventually expand to link other clinics, including in Gozo.
Similar medical drone delivery services are already operating in countries such as Belgium, Ireland, the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).