Reliable Robotics and Astral Aviation partner on automated aircraft in Africa
Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems and Kenya-based airline Astral Aviation, have announced a strategic collaboration with the goal of enhancing aviation safety and increasing air cargo connectivity…
Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems and Kenya-based airline Astral Aviation, have announced a strategic collaboration with the goal of enhancing aviation safety and increasing air cargo connectivity in sub-Saharan Africa through the use of automated aircraft.
Africa is poised for economic and trade growth, but held back by challenges related to the safety, speed and cost of transportation, including limited intra-African air services. The companies will work together to develop operational, regulatory and business plans to launch automated aircraft operations in sub-Saharan Africa.
Cessna 208 Caravan
Reliable Robotics is working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to certify its automation system on the Cessna 208 Caravan, and to begin commercial cargo operations in the United States.
The collaboration with Astral Aviation will enable the subsequent international expansion into Africa where the Caravan is an essential utility aircraft with nearly 350 currently operating across the continent.
“We are preparing for explosive growth in regional trade and the need to transport significantly more air cargo across Africa,” said Sanjeev Gadhia, founder and CEO at Astral Aviation.
“Automation will enable us to serve more routes. We look forward to working with Reliable to safely transport larger payloads over longer distances at lower cost with remotely operated aircraft.”
African aviation sector primed for change
“The African aviation sector is primed for change and automated aircraft can be part of the solution to the market’s constraints,” said Robert Rose, co-founder and CEO at Reliable Robotics.
“Astral has deep experience operating in Africa, and we share a vision for how automation and remotely piloted aircraft can help the region reach its economic potential with safer, more flexible and cost-efficient air transport.”
Subscribe to the FINN weekly newsletter
