Swiss Post, Swiss WorldCargo, the air cargo division of Swiss International Air Lines, and Matternet, a transportation drone manufacturer based in California, U.S.A., have jointly launched a project to test the deployment of drones. The three companies are currently researching the practical uses that drone technology could offer, and the business case to support such a development. The possibilities range from internal logistics to the delivery of consignments over the last mile. The first tests involving drones are scheduled to take place in summer 2015 in Switzerland. The primary aim of this pilot project is a Proof of Concept to clarify the legal framework, consider local conditions and explore the technical and business capabilities of the drones. The partners will test a number of Matternet ONE drones. These vehicles have been exclusively designed for the transportation of small packages, and will be deployed with partners for the first time in this Proof of Concept. Matternet ONE’s centrally-located payload makes it exceptionally easy to load and unload and its unique architecture makes it light and strong enough to transport 1 kilogram over up to 20 kilometers on a single battery charge. Matternet ONE is capable of  autonomous operation, following secure routes generated by Matternet’s proprietary Cloud software. Dieter Bambauer, Head of PostLogistics, Swiss Post: “With drone technology, we are testing a possible means of transportation of the future already today. Swiss Post aims to always be in tune with customer needs.” Oliver Evans, Chief Cargo Officer, Swiss International Air Lines: “As a specialist and global leader in the transportation of high-value and care-intensive shipments, Swiss WorldCargo is keen to explore any new technology which promises to increase reach, speed or reliability while at the same time reducing costs or environmental impact. Likewise we are keen to explore new types of collaboration with partners in the supply chain, from technology partners like Matternet to service partners like Swiss Post. “ Andreas Raptopoulos, CEO Matternet:  “We are extremely excited to bring Matternet ONE to Switzerland, one of the most technologically-advanced countries in the world, and discover how this new transportation paradigm will bring tremendous value to our partners, their customers and the country at large.”