New York, April 23, 2026 – Speedbird Aero, a global leader in unmanned aerial logistics, is proud to announce its role as the aircraft partner in a major drone delivery operations trial in New York City, marking a significant milestone for the advanced air mobility market in the United States.
The 12-month trial, operated by Skyports Drone Services in partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), will transport light cargo between Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Marine Terminal. Operations will take place on weekdays along a fixed overwater route, away from residential areas, under the supervision of certified Skyports drone pilots and with approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
This initiative positions New York City as one of the first major metropolitan areas globally to test the integration of drone-based logistics into an urban transportation ecosystem. The trial builds on the Port Authority’s ongoing efforts to assess the viability of drone cargo routes that could support public-benefit deliveries across the region. The broader objective is to reduce road congestion, enable low-carbon logistics solutions, and explore alternatives to traditional middle-mile delivery.
The program follows a two-week proof-of-concept conducted in January 2026 by Skyports, in partnership with the Port Authority and NYCEDC, using the same route, schedule, and Speedbird platform.
“The launch of operations in New York is a defining moment for drone logistics,” said Manoel Coelho, CEO of Speedbird Aero. “Few cities present the operational complexity and logistical demand. We are proud to provide the technology that enables Skyports to integrate drone logistics safely and efficiently into one of the busiest airspaces in the world. Beginning service here demonstrates the maturity of our technology and the readiness of drone logistics to support real-world supply chains at scale.”
“Around the world, drones have proven to be an effective tool for transporting critical cargo, offering a faster and cleaner alternative to traditional road transport,” said Alex Brown, CEO of Skyports Drone Services. “Whether navigating dense urban environments or challenging terrain, drones have the potential to transform middle-mile logistics. We look forward to demonstrating this potential in New York over the next 12 months.”
Building on Speedbird’s global experience and proven technological reliability, the company is supporting the implementation of a framework designed for continuous logistics operations.
“This is building a framework that can support a long-term logistics network,” added Coelho. “Just as trucks and aircraft operate under standardized systems, drones are now entering a phase where they can support real supply chains—not just demonstrations.”
Speedbird’s platform is rapidly emerging as the industry’s workhorse. Its proven reliability is showcased through Skyports’ pioneering operations, such as the U.K.’s first commercial drone delivery service with routine Royal Mail flights in the Orkney Islands, remote healthcare logistics in Belgium piloted from the U.K., and ship-to-shore missions in Singapore integrating UTM and marine tracking systems. These Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) missions are underpinned by globally recognized safety protocols, including the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) framework—an approach widely endorsed by aviation authorities worldwide and by the FAA’s vision for BVLOS operations. The project was also carried out with extensive outreach and coordination with local regulators, law enforcement agencies, governing bodies and community groups to ensure total alignment.
This safety-driven approach enables Skyports to deploy Speedbird’s platform for time-sensitive medical and logistics missions in New York. Operations from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport allow for rapid deployment and create a foundation for future expansion across additional boroughs and regional hubs.
About Speedbird Aero
Speedbird Aero is a global company headquartered in Brazil and Portugal, specializing in unmanned aerial logistics. The company develops, manufactures, and operates drone delivery systems and is certified for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations with multiple aircraft models.
Speedbird Aero has completed nearly 40,000 commercial drone missions, demonstrating the maturity and reliability of its technology across real-world logistics applications. With operations in 14 countries, recent regulatory milestones include authorization in Brazil to operate over areas with population densities of up to 5,000 people/km² and approval to operate under SAIL III in Europe.
Speedbird Aero offers its solutions through an integrated Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) model, supporting customers with aircraft manufacturing, operations, and regulatory compliance.
Learn more at: www.speedbird.aero
About Skyports
Skyports Drone Services is a global leader in drone aviation, specializing in BVLOS flight operations for delivery and inspection use cases. The company partners with maritime and offshore industries, healthcare providers, infrastructure operators, and public sector organizations to enhance connectivity, safety, and sustainability through drone technology.
Learn more at: www.skyportsdroneservices.com