Swiss Post trials drone deliveries between hospitals

The service, in the pipeline since 2015, will begin test flights this month with a view to making drone deliveries between the two Lugano hospitals a daily service by 2018, Swiss Post said.

Using the drones made by U.S. manufacturer Matternet will “allow samples to be transported more quickly and efficiently in the future,” it said.

Prior to the test flights the drones will be examined by the Swiss federal aviation office to ensure they meet necessary criteria related to security, reliability and practicality, added Swiss Post.

Test flights will only be carried out in Lugano if the weather permits, it said. ■