In a bid to modernize healthcare logistics in Africa, Aviation Sans Frontières and Windracers have partnered to deploy a dual-drone system to deliver medical supplies to isolated communities across the continent.
The project combines Aviation Sans Frontières’ operational expertise in humanitarian aviation with Windracers’ rugged Ultra aircraft technology, integrated proprietary autopilot systems and mission control software.
“This project represents a potential turning point for humanitarian logistics in Africa,” confirmed Stephane Blandino, project manager for Aviation Sans Frontière. “By combining our operational experience with cutting-edge drone technology, we are developing a solution that is both innovative and grounded in the realities of the field – sustainable, scalable and adapted to the needs of the most remote communities. It’s about making healthcare accessible – regardless of distance.”
Stephen Wright, founder and group executive chairman of Windracers, added, “Logistics is the backbone of humanitarian aid, often representing 60% to 80% of expenses depending on the sector of activity. We developed Ultra with this exact idea in mind – to provide low-cost means of delivering humanitarian aid to hard-to-reach locations for people who need help the most.
“We’re already putting this into place in Malawi, where we are establishing a dedicated operational base to support humanitarian and development missions. This agreement with Aviation Sans Frontières builds on that experience and I am so very proud that the Windracers team will have the opportunity to deliver on this mission in partnership with Aviation Sans Frontières.”
At the heart of this phase is Windracers Ultra MK2 – a heavy-lift long distance self-flying cargo aircraft capable of transporting a useful load of up to 150kg with a range of up to 1,000km.
The Windracers platform is dual-use, multi-mission and offers an optional three-door drop bay floor to safely and accurately parachute aid and supplies if required. In the coming weeks, and thanks to cold chain innovation, it will undergo trials focused on the delivery of vaccines and other temperature-sensitive medical supplies across remote areas.
Discover more about Windracers Group in an exclusive interview with Simon Thompson, group CEO, in the March 2025 issue of Parcel and Postal Technology International
