DDC receives Flight Canada authorizations
Drone Delivery Canada (DDC) has received approval from Transport Canada to transport medical radioisotopes by drone in Southern Ontario
Transport Canada also approved DDC to operate drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).
The flight authorizations apply to operations while carrying Class 7 dangerous goods – specifically medical radioisotopes – in the Golden Horseshoe region of Southern Ontario.
The BVLOS flight authorization will allow DDC to significantly expand the reach and capabilities of its network of operation, as well as significantly improving operational efficiency.
The authorizations are particularly important to DDC’s 13.4km Care by Air commercial route, which will transport isotopes in collaboration with McMaster University, Halton Healthcare, Oakville Trafalgar Hospital, DSV Canada, and Air Canada Cargo.
DDC stated that all operations would be conducted in accordance with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regulations, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, the Canadian Aviation Regulations and Transport Canada special flight operations certificates.
“We are extremely proud to have received these crucial approvals from Transport Canada for our Care by Air project,” said Steve Magirias, CEO of DDC. “This is a significant achievement not only for our company but for the entire drone delivery sector. With BVLOS flights and dangerous goods transportation authorization, we can now take a giant leap forward in transforming the way healthcare supplies are transported, ensuring faster delivery times and enhancing overall patient care.”
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector!