The integration of autonomous drones into dnata’s cargo operations in Dubai has contributed to improving operational efficiencies, the global air and travel services provider has revealed.

The use of drones has delivered huge benefits for dnata’s airline customers at both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airports, with key results including a 20% reduction in processing times of on the rack inventories and over 99% accuracy in shipment tracking.

Since being the first cargo services provider to introduce drones to its cargo operations in the UAE in 2021, dnata says the drones have seamlessly integrated into its day-to-day workflow and warehouse inventory processes with an average of some 1,800 shipments being monitored daily with 99% accuracy across 2,400 rack locations.

Guillaume Crozier, dnata’s senior vice president for UAE cargo and global cargo strategy, said: “We are thrilled to witness the outstanding results that our drone technology has brought to our cargo operations.

“The precision and reliability of these drones have surpassed our expectations, leading to a transformative impact on our efficiency levels.

“These advancements have a direct positive impact on our airline customers who can benefit from heightened accuracy, reduced turnaround times and smoother logistics operations.

The drone technology is provided by Gather AI which enables the drones to map the environment, collect inventory data, count cases, measure temperature, and read barcodes using only their cameras, without the need for any additional active infrastructure.

The drones are paired to a tablet device providing live inventory data which can be viewed directly on the tablet or the web dashboard.

Crozier added: “The launch of autonomous drones in our operations reflects our commitment to delivering top-notch services through the latest technologies.”

With routine tasks automated, human resources can be allocated to more complex responsibilities, ultimately improving overall workforce productivity.

The use of drones has also contributed to a reduction in carbon footprint and improved safety by reducing the need for mobile elevating work platforms and man lifts in the warehouse.

The drones can operate at temperatures between 0°C and +50°C within a closed environment, enabling dnata to take advantage of the technology in its state-of-the-art cool chain facilities, too.

dnata has plans to introduce them at further stations across its global cargo network in the next years.

Sankalp Arora, chief executive and co-founder of Gather AI, said:  “Gather AI and dnata have already turned the vision of a fully digitised air cargo ecosystem into a ground-breaking reality.

“Our autonomous inventory drones are not merely futuristic concepts; they are operational game-changers today, enabling real-time transparency into the inventory and air cargo processes.

“dnata has been at the forefront of the digital revolution in air cargo, and we at Gather AI are proud to be the technology partners that have made this vision come alive.”

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