India has a vast potential to become a drone hub by 2030, says Skye Air CEO Ankit Kumar

Drone technology is transforming various sectors in many ways. Especially, its potential in the logistics segment is immense. India has seen many startups in the drone technology space, which are operating across sectors. Skye Air is one such drone startup that operates in the logistics segment. The company is serving several customers in the healthcare, ecommerce and other related areas, delivering critical elements in time to customers. In a conversation with Bizz Buzz, its Co-Founder & CEO Ankit Kumar said that the company sees rapid growth in the next three years as many enterprises are looking at leveraging drone technology for delivery of goods. The company has already tied up with several state-run healthcare institutions including AIIMs for medicine and other healthcare-related elements. The drone startup has recently raised $4 million funding in a series A round, which the company plans to utilise for expanding its reach into various cities across the country. He also said that India holds the potential to be a drone hub by 2030

How is the demand for drones shaping up in India across various sectors?

The demand for drones in India is experiencing significant growth across multiple sectors. Industries such as healthcare, e-commerce, agriculture, and logistics are increasingly adopting drone technology for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. In healthcare, drones are being used for the rapid delivery of medical supplies and vaccines, especially in remote areas. E-commerce companies are leveraging drones to ensure faster delivery times, enhancing customer satisfaction. In agriculture, drones aid in crop monitoring and pesticide spraying, thereby boosting productivity. The logistics sector benefits from drones by reducing delivery times and operational costs. Overall, the increasing adoption of drone technology is driven by its ability to address unique challenges and improve operational efficiency across various industries in India.

How can costs of logistics be reduced through use of drone? Can you give a perspective in this matter?

The use of drones in logistics can significantly reduce costs through several key avenues. Firstly, drones offer a cost-effective solution for last-mile delivery by bypassing traditional road transport, which reduces fuel costs and minimizes wear and tear on delivery vehicles. Additionally, drones can operate in challenging terrains and remote areas where traditional delivery methods might be expensive or infeasible. This efficiency in reaching difficult locations not only saves costs but also ensures timely delivery, enhancing customer satisfaction. Skye Air has its advanced drone technology, which allows for optimized route planning and faster delivery times, further reducing operational costs. Moreover, the scalability of drone logistics means that as the technology and infrastructure improve, the per-unit delivery cost is expected to decrease, leading to even greater cost savings for businesses.

Can you provide an overview of Skye Air’s operations? Also, please provide some insights into the motivations behind starting Skye Air?

Skye Air is revolutionizing urban logistics through its innovative drone delivery services. The company operates primarily in Gurugram and has ambitious plans to expand its footprint across other Indian cities. The operation is also in the regions of Himachal Pradesh for healthcare deliveries. Skye Air's operations leverage advanced technologies such as AI, GPS, and IoT to ensure efficient, safe, and reliable drone deliveries. We have secured transformative contracts with renowned healthcare institutions across India, including AIIMS Deoghar (Jharkhand), Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (Manipur), AIIMS Patna (Bihar), AIIMS Jodhpur (Rajasthan), AIIMS Rajkot (Gujarat), AIIMS Bhubaneswar (Odisha), AIIHPH Kolkata (West Bengal), Central Leprosy Teaching & Research Institute Chengalpattu (Tamil Nadu), Regional Leprosy Training & Research Institute Bankura (West Bengal) and Regional Leprosy Training & Research Institute Aska (Odisha).

As far as motivation behind starting Skye Air is concerned, it is driven by a vision to revolutionize the logistics and delivery industry through advanced drone technology. We are seeking to address critical issues such as inefficiencies in traditional delivery systems, high carbon emissions, and traffic congestion. By leveraging drone technology, Skye Air aims to provide a more efficient, environmentally sustainable and convenient delivery solution.

Additionally, Skye Air's focus on sectors like healthcare, e-commerce, quick-commerce, and food logistics highlights our commitment to transforming various industries by providing rapid and reliable delivery services, particularly in areas where traditional logistics might face challenges. This innovative approach has positioned Skye Air as a pioneer in the drone logistics landscape in India.

Please give us an overview about current collaboration with startup, e-commerce firms and established companies…

Skye Air has teamed up with the logistics giant Blue Dart, part of the DHL Group, to implement drone deliveries. Shree Maruti Integrated Logistics (SMILe), India's leading e-commerce enablement platform, has its ground-breaking collaboration with Skye Air, India's leading SaaS-based autonomous logistics solution provider.

Which sectors is driving growth for Skye air? Which segments are emerging as potential areas for future growth in current times?

Skye Air is witnessing significant growth in the healthcare and quick-commerce sectors. These sectors are key drivers of the company's expansion. The company's strategic emphasis on integrating drone deliveries as a mainstream logistics solution for these sectors is aligned with the increasing demand for rapid and efficient logistics services. Additionally, Skye Air's development of the Skye UTM, an advanced Unmanned Traffic Management system, further supports their growth by ensuring safe and efficient drone operations. The Indian government's support for the drone industry under the Modi 3.0 administration also provides a favourable environment for Skye Air's ambitions to make India a global drone hub by 2030.

What are key benefits of using drones for delivery?

The use of drones for delivery offers a multitude of benefits, particularly in urban settings like Gurugram. One of the primary advantages is the significant reduction in delivery times. Drones can bypass traffic congestion by flying directly to their destinations, which is especially beneficial in densely populated areas where ground transportation often faces delays. This efficiency not only speeds up deliveries but also reduces traffic on the roads, contributing to less congestion and lower carbon emissions, promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly logistics solution.

Moreover, drones can access hard-to-reach areas that traditional vehicles cannot, such as narrow streets or remote locations. This capability is crucial for delivering essential supplies, such as medical goods, to areas with limited infrastructure. Drones equipped with advanced technologies like AI, GPS navigation, and IoT ensure precise and reliable deliveries, further enhancing the customer experience.

What kind of growth Skye Air is expecting in the next three years?

Skye Airhas significant growth potential over the next three years, driven by its recent strategic advancements and funding. The company secured $4 million in Series A funding, which will bolster its expansion across cities like Gurugram for e-commerce, and quick-commerce deliveries. This funding round was supported by prominent investors including Mount Judi Ventures, Chiratae Ventures, and Venture Catalyst.

Moreover, the company's ambitious vision to transform urban logistics by reducing delivery times and environmental impacts through drone technology aligns well with the growing demand for efficient and green logistics solutions. With these factors in place, Skye Air is well-equipped to capitalize on the burgeoning drone logistics market and achieve substantial growth in the coming years.