Press Release

 

A pilot UAV flight from Kos to Pserimos carrying medical supplies, successfully completed by ACS, Pleiades IoT Innovation Cluster, PROBOTEK and Uni Systems

 

It is the first BVLOS (Below Visual Line of sight) flight in Greece for the transportation of medical supplies licensed by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority

Athens, September 12, 2023 – During the first week of September, Quest Group members’ ACS and Uni Systems, along with Pleiades IoT Innovation Cluster and PROBOTEK, have successfully carried out a pilot UAV flight from Kos to Pserimos for the transportation of medical and pharmaceutical supplies.

The BVLOS (Below Visual Line of sight) license was granted by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority for the transportation of medical supplies to the remote island of Pserimos, with the takeoff field being in Tigkaki, Kos. The Swiss-made VTOL (Vertical Take-off & Landing) unmanned aircraft with a wingspan of 3 meters, performed a flight of 12 kilometers in 8’ minutes, while being remotely monitored by two pilots (one in Kos and one in Pserimos) who stood by. During the pilot flight, a number of challenges, such as the distance, the different climatic conditions, the geomorphological background and safety, were carefully monitored. The project was supported by Drops Smart Hubs, which creates a new dynamic market by bringing together drone operators with B2B and B2G stakeholders, through an interoperable and safe takeoff-landing environment.

The goal of this pilot project was to operate in U-space (the European system being developed to manage drone traffic) and signal long-range autonomous flights to provide services that have a direct impact on our daily lives, such as sending medical supplies to remote areas. In addition, it is the first step for a safe and effective integration of autonomous BVLOS flights in both urban and rural environments, and highlights the creation of new business models and the enhancement of sustainable economic development with a social impact, through innovation.

Apostolos Georgantzis, CEO of Quest Group and President and CEO of ACS, stated: “We are particularly pleased about the new transport route, which we are opening today, attempting to significantly change the daily lives of the border islands’ residents. The first licensed BVLOS pilot flight for the transportation of medical equipment in a remote area is now a reality, once again highlighting our market leadership. We are also very pleased to demonstrate once more that innovation is at our business core, supporting sustainable development and a better future for Greece.”

The pilot project was presented on Friday, September 8, in Kos in the presence of the Hellenic Telecommunications & Post Commission’s representatives, the Mayor of Kos, Mr. Theodosis Nikitaras as well as other Kos’ authorities, who embraced the project and offered valuable support for its implementation.

Here you can see a video about the pilot flight.

 

About ACS Courier and Postal Services

ACS Postal Services S.M.S.A., a subsidiary of Quest Group, operating in the Greek market since 1981, is the leading courier company in the domestic postal marketplace, handling over 50 million shipments (courier and post) annually. The company has the largest independent courier network in Greece, with more than 750 service points (in Greece, Cyprus, Albania and Bulgaria) and over 3,700 skilled employees, and has developed the most advanced organization and know-how in its field. While offering over 40 years to businesses, e-shops and households across the country complete, reliable and quality services based on innovation and Customer Experience, the company differs significantly from other courier companies, as it makes continuous investments in innovative systems, infrastructure, automation and new innovative services and solutions, to better serve its customers and meet market needs. At the same time, ACS constantly aims to strengthen its social contribution, implementing large-scale CSR actions aimed at upgrading the quality of life of vulnerable groups and the wider community. For more info please visit https://www.acscourier.net/en/

 

About Pleiades IoT Innovation Cluster

Pleiades IoT Innovation Cluster is a non-profit company, formed in 2022, contributing to the creation of a dynamic Greek IoT ecosystem and speed up the adoption of IoT in Greece. The Cluster comprises of individuals and organizations such as research centers, university institutions, large and small and medium-sized companies with specific know-how as well as start-ups, with main aim to produce innovation toward new business models, better delivery of services, and increased efficiency in operational models. Find out more www.pleiadesiot.com

 

About PROBOTEK

PROBOTEK is an innovative leader in the IoD and RPA sector aiming at the development of solutions with the use of robotic drones (IoD) and artificial intelligence (AI). The company has participated in major European projects and has presence in the U.K. through its subsidiary PROBOTEK AI. More information: www.probotek.eu

 

About Uni Systems

Uni Systems, member of Quest Group of Companies, is a long-standing strategic ICT partner to financial institutions, public organizations, telecom operators and enterprises in the European region and has been providing integrated solutions and value-added services since 1964. Today, the Company invests substantially in its European perspective and demonstrates a proven track record of accomplishments in complex and mission critical IT projects in more than 20 countries through its subsidiaries in Belgium, Romania, Luxembourg, Italy, and Spain.  For more information, please visit www.unisystems.com

 

ACS Postal Services M.A.E.E

Athens, September 12, 2023