Amami Setouchi and Japan Airlines Launch Innovative Drone Service for Island Residents
In an ambitious move to enhance the quality of life on Amami Setouchi Town, Setouchi Town in Oshima District, Kagoshima Prefecture, and Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) have unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with the establishment of "Amami Island Drone Co., Ltd." This initiative, set to kick off on February 29, 2024, aims to leverage drone technology for the benefit of the town's residents, marking a significant step towards the future of remote island living and logistics.
Setouchi Town, under the leadership of Mayor Naruhito Kamada, has always envisioned creating a sustainable living environment that retains its population through innovative solutions. The introduction of drone-based administrative services, developed in collaboration with JAL, is a pivotal element of this vision. The initiative targets enhancing safety, security, and community functionality through advanced technology. Since October 2020, both entities have engaged in comprehensive studies and demonstration experiments, focusing on utilizing drones and digital advancements to address a spectrum of local challenges, from disaster preparedness to everyday logistics.
"Amami Island Drone" emerges as a beacon of innovation, offering vital services such as the delivery of emergency supplies to remote areas during disasters and the regular transportation of medical goods and daily essentials. This service is not just about convenience but also about ensuring the well-being of the community in both crisis and normalcy.
The drone operations will utilize the FAZER R G2, a state-of-the-art logistics drone, chosen for its exceptional range and capacity, perfectly suited to the geographical and logistical demands of Setouchi Town and its neighboring islands. JAL's contribution extends beyond mere partnership, offering its vast expertise in drone operation management and safety protocols, including remote control flights beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS). The initial phase will see JAL providing trained pilots to guarantee the safe deployment of these aerial services.
JAL's commitment to societal advancement and local revitalization through air mobility ventures is evident in this project. By applying its aviation prowess, JAL seeks to foster sustainable communities, improve access to goods and services, and ultimately, model a scalable solution for the Amami Islands and beyond.
This collaborative effort between Setouchi Town, JAL, and Amami Island Drone Co., Ltd. exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to regional development and sustainability. It's a testament to the power of innovation in creating resilient, connected, and thriving island communities for the future.