Royal Mail launches first drone service which will deliver packages to remote UK areas

THE first drone delivery service for Royal Mail has been launched.

The airborne service is being trialled in Orkney for three months, with the potential to become a permanent fixture.

The Orkney I-Port Operation will see locals benefit from vastly improved delivery times.

Mail will continue to flown by plane to Kirkwall’s Royal Mail delivery office, then driven to the town of Stromness.

Drones will then take on the job of carrying mail over to the islands of Graemsay and Hoy.

The electric drones will help circumvent weather disruptions, which often impact deliveries.

The project is a joint effort involving Royal Mail, Skyports Drone Services, Orkney Islands Council and Loganair.

Chris Paxton, of Royal Mail, said: “Using drones will help us to connect island communities.”

Alex Brown, director of Skyports Drone Services, said: "By leveraging drone technology, we are revolutionising mail services in remote communities, providing more efficient and timely delivery, and helping to reduce the requirement for emissions-producing vehicles.