Helsinki is making strides in urban logistics by initiating a pilot program that utilizes drones for the transportation of medical supplies. This innovative project aims to assess how uncrewed aerial vehicles can enhance support during both routine operations and emergency situations. Funded by the European Union, the initiative is part of the broader CITYAM project, which seeks to develop a more sustainable and efficient urban transport network in the Baltic Sea region.
The trial entails a significant flight path of approximately seven kilometres from Kyläsaari to the Laajasalo healthcare station. Scheduled to commence in late October and run through mid-November 2025, these flights will take place several times daily on weekdays, providing critical real-world data on the feasibility of drone logistics in an urban setting.
Renske Martijnse-Hartikka, Senior Project Manager at Forum Virium Helsinki, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Helsinki hasn’t piloted this longer distance, regular drone transportation with goods before. There is a lot of potential for the future, and I am excited to see how these tests will go.” She also noted the challenges faced in bringing the project to fruition, highlighting the valuable lessons learned in the process.
Assessing Drone Logistics Potential
The primary objective of this experiment is to evaluate the practicality of incorporating drones into urban logistics, particularly for unexpected events. The capabilities of drones could prove vital for routine healthcare supply deliveries or rapid responses during crises such as pandemics. City officials view aerial transport as a solution to the logistical challenges posed by traditional delivery methods in densely populated areas.
Sami Aherva, Director of the Logistics Unit at Stara, emphasized this potential, remarking, “Drones are a new form of transport with a lot of potential. In congested and fully-built cities, making deliveries by air can streamline shipments and improve the city’s operational efficiency.” The current experiment is expected to yield insights that will inform future logistics strategies.
The drones used in the trials are fixed-wing aircraft designed for light cargo, operating at altitudes between 60 and 100 metres. They are managed by Aviant, a Norwegian company experienced in similar drone operations across Nordic countries. Each drone has a wingspan of 2.6 metres and can carry up to three kilograms of cargo, currently transporting essential healthcare supplies such as masks, gloves, and disinfectants.
Ensuring Safety and Compliance
Safety and regulatory compliance are of utmost importance in this initiative. The drones will operate under a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) permit issued by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom). While the flights are controlled remotely from Oslo by Aviant, a dedicated team on the ground in Helsinki will ensure proper preparation for each flight.
The experience gained from this pioneering project is crucial for developing robust logistics guidelines that can adapt to emergencies. Ari Lallo, Acting Head of Transport and Logistics for the Social, Health, and Rescue Services Sector, noted, “This is an interesting experiment for us because we gain concrete experience with a new delivery method for goods logistics that will be significant in the future, as well as its requirements.”
Collaboration among key stakeholders, including Stara, the Social Services, Health Care and Rescue Services Division, and Forum Virium Helsinki, is essential in shaping the future of urban mobility. The insights derived from this drone trial could pave the way for expanded drone operations, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of medical supply deliveries.
For more information about the CITYAM project and its objectives, visit Forum Virium Helsinki’s website.
