Project CAELUS, which is led by AGS Airports in partnership with NHS Scotland, has conducted live flight trials in a bid to deliver the UK’s first national medical distribution network using drones.

The trials took place between Glasgow Airport and NHS Golden Jubilee in Clydebank earlier this week.

CAELUS (Care & Equity – Healthcare Logistics UAS Scotland), is part funded by the UKRI’s Future Flight Challenge.

It brings together 16 partners including the University of Strathclyde, Skyports Drone Services, NATS and NHS Scotland. Together, they are working to deliver what will be the first national drone network that can transport essential medicines, bloods, and other medical supplies throughout Scotland, including to remote communities.

The CAELUS consortium comprises:

• AGS Airports Limited
• ANRA Technologies UK
• Arup
• AtkinsRéalis
• Cellnex UK
• Commonplace Digital
• Connected Places Catapult
• DGP Intelsius
• Dronamics
• NATS
• NHS Scotland
• Plane Finder
• Skyports Drone Services
• The Drone Office
• Trax International
• University of Strathclyde

Since January 2020, the CAELUS consortium has designed drone landing stations for NHS sites across Scotland and developed a digital twin of the proposed delivery network which connects hospitals, pathology laboratories, distribution centres, and GP surgeries across Scotland.

Live flight trials were operated by CAELUS consortium member Skyports Drone Services. The UK-based operator is an experienced provider of drone delivery, survey, and monitoring services. The company has a history of operating medical drone deliveries, including the first drone deliveries with the NHS.

Fiona Smith, group head of aerodrome strategy for AGS Airports and CAELUS project director, said: “These flight trials are an important step towards the integration of drones into modern airspace and enabling the safe use of drones at scale within Scotland’s airspace.

“The input from all partners has resulted in a high quality safety case for the flights undertaken in a busy airport environment which can be transposed for other sites in future. It has only been possible because of the hard work of every consortium member.

“The CAELUS project is set to revolutionise the way in which healthcare services are delivered in Scotland. A drones network can ensure critical medical supplies can be delivered more efficiently, it can reduce waiting times for test results and, more importantly, it can provide equity of care between urban and remote rural communities.

Liam Day, commercial project manager and CAELUS lead, Skyports Drone Services, also said: “It’s always fantastic to get our drones flying on new projects, especially when it marks an important step in delivering an impactful service that will benefit local communities and access to healthcare.

“We’re looking forward to continuing our journey with the CAELUS consortium to support NHS Scotland’s adoption of safe, efficient and sustainable drone services.”

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Karen Bell, joint innovation lead for CAELUS for the NHS, explained: “We are delighted to have had a successful flight trial here in the West Coast of Scotland. Years of preparation with all of our partners have taken us to this point.

“We are well positioned to participate in this drone trial because of our vast geographical area of island and remote populations. This work has the potential to greatly improve our services closer to home. Now we can take the time to reflect on this experience and instil the improvements required.”.

Allan Shields, CAELUS clinical lead, Scottish Ambulance Service, also remarked: “This innovative scheme has the potential to benefit communities across Scotland, including those in remote and rural areas.

“We look forward to continuing to work with AGS Airports and partners on developing the project going forward.”