Third-party logistics provider Flexport, flush with fresh investor funding, has tentatively ordered two large autonomous cargo jets with a 100-ton payload from startup aircraft manufacturer Natilus, part of a strategic effort to enhance customer service by directly controlling more transport capacity. But it’s more a case of making a trial investment than a big bet on a concrete technology.
The demand for air freight capacities is high worldwide, which is why new approaches in logistics are being considered everywhere. The US start-up Natilus proposes a new form of cargo drone designed to move goods more efficiently through the air.
Aleksey Matyushev, co-founder and CEO of Natilus, discusses the significance of the US$6 billion worth of pre-order for its unmanned aerial vehicles, the timeline for the delivery of Natilus autonomous aircraft and how the company intends to offer a compelling alternative cargo transport solution that is environmentally more sustainable and economically more viable.
Natilus has developed a patent-pending “Diamond” cargo-bay, and has a high wing configuration allowing you to stack containers like a truck trailer instead of having all the gaps along the fuselage. You can stack things up against the sides, carry oversized equipment, and utilize the empty space that is wasted in traditional planes. Natilus says they can get 60% more volume than a traditional airplane and it is more fuel efficient.
Autonomous cargo drone developer Natilus has announced advanced purchase commitments of more than $6bn for the delivery of 440+ aircraft in pre-orders.
California-based Natilus has developed a remotely piloted cargo freighter that is expected to begin deliveries in 2025 and is designed to compete with traditional freighters. Canadian drone services and manufacturing company Volatus Aerospace in January secured the first production delivery slot for Natilus’ N3.8T cargo freighter, the companies announced Jan. 25.
SAN DIEGO, CA (February 9, 2022) – Natilus, a U.S. company producing the world’s first purposefully designed and manufactured autonomous aircraft for air freight transport, has announced advanced purchase commitments of more than $6 billion for the delivery of 440+ aircraft in pre-orders, from companies including major airlines and integrators: Volatus Aerospace, Astral Aviation, Aurora, Dymond, Flexport, and others to be announced. Last week, Flexport completed a $900 million investment round and has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for two 100T Natilus aircraft, with an option for a third.
