FlyingBasket has completed a pilot project in collaboration with the Autonomous Province of Bolzano in the South Tyrol region.
Cargo drones were used to supply mountain huts inaccessible by road under real operating conditions. During 21 flights, the drones operated at altitudes exceeding 3,000 metres, carrying payloads of up to 120 kg per hour and delivering a total of around 1,000 kg of goods to four alpine huts. The huts have previously relied on helicopter transport.
Deliveries included both perishable food items and heavy or bulky materials like fire extinguishers and cooking oil. On their return flights, the drones transported empty crates and barrels down to the valley.
“The pilot programme conducted with FlyingBasket in the summer of 2025 has proven that drone-based resupply for alpine huts is now a concrete, reliable reality,” said Christian Bianchi, Provincial Councilor for Public Works in Bolzano. “This is a modern and sustainable solution that significantly lowers operational costs and eliminates CO₂ emissions compared to helicopter flights.”
Bianchi said the province will continue to support these projects.
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