Dronamics

Dronamics is the developer and operator of the world's first cargo drone airline. It was founded in 2014 in Sofia, Bulgaria, by brothers Svilen and Konstantin Rangelov. The initial idea stemmed from Konstantin, an aerospace engineer, wanting to find a more efficient way to get his favorite Bulgarian cheese while studying in the Netherlands. Svilen, with a background in economics, provided the business expertise to complement his brother's technical skills.

The company operates as both a technology manufacturer and a licensed airline, focusing on middle-mile logistics to make airfreight more accessible, faster, and affordable. Dronamics serves various industries, including e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, food, and spare parts, by selling capacity on its drone flights rather than the aircraft themselves. This model allows logistics companies and other businesses to integrate Dronamics' service for same-day deliveries over long distances, particularly to remote or underserved areas.

The core of its operation is the flagship "Black Swan" drone, a remotely-piloted, fixed-wing aircraft. It is designed to carry a payload of 350 kg (770 lbs) over a range of 2,500 km (1,550 miles). This capacity is comparable to a small delivery van. The Black Swan can operate from unpaved runways as short as 400 meters, enabling access to locations without traditional airport infrastructure. The company's solution aims to be up to 80% faster, 50% cheaper, and produce up to 60% lower emissions than conventional airfreight. Dronamics is also working towards carbon-neutral operations by exploring biofuels and hydrogen fuel-cell technology.

Dronamics holds the first EU license for a cargo drone airline, permitting operations across member states. The company has secured over $40 million in funding from investors including Speedinvest, Founders Factory, and the European Innovation Council (EIC). The successful first flight of the full-scale Black Swan occurred in May 2023, and commercial operations are planned to launch across Europe, starting with Greece.

Keywords: cargo drone airline, middle-mile logistics, unmanned aerial vehicle, same-day delivery, long-range drone, airfreight solutions, Black Swan drone, remote delivery, logistics technology, aerospace engineering, supply chain innovation, autonomous cargo, droneports, sustainable aviation, e-commerce logistics, pharmaceutical transport, European Innovation Council, Svilen Rangelov, Konstantin Rangelov, drone delivery.