Aerodyne Launches Full-Scale Drone Logistics Operations, Selecting Japan as a Strategic Market, Conducting 48km Inter-Island Logistics Demonstration in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture
On March 7, 2025, Aerodyne Japan , the Japanese subsidiary of the global drone service leader operating in 45 countries, officially launched its drone logistics operations and selected Japan as a strategic market for its first demonstration.
In this demonstration, Aerodyne partnered with German drone manufacturer Phoenix-Wings GmbH and utilized the VTOL logistics drone "PW.ORCA" to challenge conduct Level 3 Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) logistics flights in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture. This project is part of Nagasaki Prefecture’s Advanced Drone Solution Social Implementation Support Subsidy Program , aimed at solving logistics challenges in remote island areas and enhancing the value of regional specialty products.
Why Aerodyne Chose Japan
Aerodyne has been a leading player in drone services, focusing primarily on inspection and surveying. However, in recent years, the company has actively pursued full-scale entry into the logistics sector. The decision to make Japan the first commercial market for drone logistics was driven by several factors, including Japan’s advanced regulatory environment and the presence of many islands and mountainous areas facing logistics challenges. Additionally, Aerodyne views its success in Japan as a stepping stone for expanding into the broader Asian market.
To facilitate its business expansion in Japan, Aerodyne Japan imported the first PW.ORCA unit in January 2025 and made modifications to comply with Japanese regulations. By obtaining the necessary flight permits, the company has taken its first steps toward operating logistics drones in Japan.
Japan’s strong technological adaptability and well-structured regulatory framework make it an attractive market. Moreover, within Aerodyne’s global strategy, Japan serves as a gateway to the Asian market, making success in Japan a crucial milestone for the company’s commercial drone logistics ambitions.
Demonstration in Malaysia and the Capabilities of PW.ORCA
Since 2024, Aerodyne has officially launched drone logistics operations under the "Argentavis" brand in Malaysia and has been conducting extensive demonstration tests with the PW.ORCA . The tropical climate in Malaysia presents significant challenges, including frequent heavy rains and strong winds. However, PW.ORCA has demonstrated high waterproof performance and stable flight capabilities , proving its reliability for real-world logistics operations.
In particular, tests have confirmed that drone transportation between urban centers and remote areas can significantly reduce delivery times compared to traditional land transportation . Photographs from these test flights capture PW.ORCA taking off in heavy rain and accurately delivering cargo to its destination , showcasing the drone’s durability and efficiency. These successful trials in Malaysia provided the foundation for applying the same technology to logistics challenges in Japan, leading to the recent demonstration in Nagasaki.
Aerodyne’s Strategy for the Future of Drone Logistics
In 2025, Aerodyne and Phoenix-Wings announced a strategic partnership for global drone logistics business development at "XPONENTIAL Europe", an international unmanned aircraft exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany.
By integrating Aerodyne’s real-time data analytics, route optimization, and predictive maintenance technology with Phoenix-Wings’ VTOL logistics drone, which boasts a maximum payload of 15kg and a flight range of 100km , the companies are strengthening operations toward commercialization.
Aerodyne Japan aims to accelerate the commercialization of drone logistics in Japan , with applications expected in areas such as:
- Last-mile delivery in remote islands and mountainous regions
- Emergency transport during disasters
- Rapid transportation of high-value goods
Furthermore, the company is focusing on developing drone operation management systems, optimizing aerial LTE communication, and establishing "air infrastructure" to support widespread commercial adoption.
Comments from Key Stakeholders
Arif Azhar, Head of Drone Logistics at Aerodyne , stated,
"Aerodyne has positioned Japan as a key hub for drone logistics due to its technological capabilities and market environment. Success in Japan will be crucial in setting the standard for drone logistics worldwide."
Dr. Jian Wang, CEO of Phoenix-Wings , added,
"We are excited to bring our drone logistics technology to the global market through our collaboration with Aerodyne. Our achievements in Japan will contribute to the overall development of drone logistics across Asia."
Aerodyne’s Vision for the Future
The global logistics industry faces critical challenges, including labor shortages and the need to reduce environmental impact. The full-scale launch of Aerodyne’s drone logistics business is not just a demonstration―it represents a major milestone in its global expansion strategy , with Japan at its core.
As drone logistics become more widely implemented, they are expected to play a crucial role in rapid transportation to remote areas, emergency supply deliveries during disasters, and alleviating urban congestion . The industry eagerly awaits Aerodyne’s next move.