The first season of cargo drone refuelling for huts in the South Tyrol has concluded. The project was carried out by FlyingBasket, the first Italian uncrewed aerial system (UAS) operator to hold a light UAS certificate issued by the national civil aviation authority, ENAC.
ENAC cooperated with ICAO and EASA to define the regulatory framework necessary to enable this and other new operational models that promote the use of UAS.
The initial pilot project concluded in October 2025, paving the way for the full season of operations.
FlyingBasket’s initiative, funded by the Department of Asset Management of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, involved eight mountain refuge huts and completed 189 flights, transporting over 8.5 tonnes of supplies, materials and equipment along routes longer than 10 km and with elevation changes of up to 1,500 metres, in difficult-to-access areas. ENAC said the costs were significantly lower than traditional helicopter transport and that the carbon footprint was zero.
ENAC said further initiatives are expected as part of the AAM 2021-2030 National Strategic Plan, aimed at creating a national ecosystem capable of developing new types of air services for the benefit of territories and communities.
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