Cargo drone manufacture Dronamics’ list of friends is growing.

The London and Sofia-based company has partnered with investors (obviously), with airports and related service providers, logistics companies; among many others.

But their latest agreement with Qatar Airways is the first ever between a cargo drone company and a major world airline company.

Dronamics has just announced it has signed an inter-airline agreement with the airline’s cargo division, Qatar Airways Cargo, which should see the expansion and extension of both partners’ delivery networks.

The drone company reckons this agreement will significantly increase its market reach in its operations to provide delivery access to areas previously hard to reach by traditional air freight.

‘’We’re very excited to have the world’s largest air cargo carrier as our partner for the first-of-its-kind interline agreement with our category-defining cargo drone airline,’’ said Svilen Rangelov, Co-Founder and CEO of Dronamics.

“While currently less than one percent of global trade moves by air, the vast global reach of Qatar Airways Cargo and their world-leading capacity and service gives us the perfect platform to massively expand air cargo accessibility to countless more communities worldwide, enabling same-day delivery for everyone, everywhere.

Through the agreement, Dronamics can now offer cargo services from any of its droneports, initially in Greece, to the wider Qatar Airways Cargo network – including destinations such as Singapore, China, and the United States’ JFK Airport.

Leveraging on Dronamics cargo drone network, Qatar Airways Cargo will now be able to access remote locations that Dronamics serves, such as the Greek islands.

“As a part of our VISION 2027 five-year strategy, we are committed to remaining at the forefront of our industry by embracing new disruptive technology,” said Elisabeth Oudkerk, SVP Cargo Sales & Network Planning at Qatar Airways Cargo.

“It is also within our DNA to support young ambitious companies like Dronamics and we are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this exciting business. It is a significant milestone in the advancement of autonomous cargo drone transportation and we are proud to be the first international airline to offer this service.”

The partnership is set to kick-start in Greece early next year, where it will focus on establishing a same day service connecting the capital Athens with the industrial northern parts of the country, as well as the islands in the south.

Earlier this year, Dronamics became the first cargo drone airline to obtain IATA and ICAO designator codes, granting it recognition on par with other international airlines, and the ability to issue air waybills to enable seamless bookings with its airline partners.

This interline agreement is a crucial next step in Dronamics’ plan to establish a cargo drone airline network with worldwide reach.

And just last week, the company also announced that – through the facilitation of its investor, the Strategic Development Fund (SDF) – it was joining hands with logistics and transportation company Aramex to offer express delivery services to the latter’s clientele using the former’s cargo drone solutions.

“We are delighted to partner with Dronamics to explore their cargo drone capabilities within our operations,” said Alaa Saoudi, Aramex Chief Operating Officer; Express Management.

“This aligns well with our continuing efforts towards harnessing innovation for enhanced operational efficiency, providing an exceptional customer experience, and minimizing our carbon footprint across the UAE and our global operations.”

With headquarters in Doha, Qatar Airways Cargo serves a global network of more than 70 freighter destinations and 160 passenger destinations utilising freighters and belly-hold passenger flights.

The airline’s freighter fleet includes two Boeing 747-8 freighters, two Boeing 747-400 freighters, 26 Boeing 777 freighters and one Airbus A310 freight aeroplane.

It also has an extensive road feeder service (RFS) network. With considerable investments in its products, services, quality handling, infrastructure, facilities, people and procedures at each of its destinations, the cargo carrier provides high operating standards for the transportation of cargo.