TOKYO: Japan’s transport ministry plans to draw up in fiscal 2023 manuals designed to ensure safe flights over rivers by drones for delivering goods.

The use of drones over rivers for logistics will reduce the risk of damage from the falls of the aircraft and cargo, officials of the ministry said, adding that there are fewer obstacles over rivers.

Drones are increasingly used for transporting goods to and from remote islands and mountain areas.

They are also expected to be used widely in urban areas in the future amid a surge in demand for delivery services and a shortage of logistics workers, and areas over rivers could be major flight routes for drones, the officials said.

In the city of Ina, Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, delivery services using drones flying over the Mibu River started in 2021

The ministry plans to conduct an experiment for drone flights over rivers from the second half of fiscal 2022 in cooperation with local governments and the private sector, the officials said. It will solicit participants until late this month.

After the experiment, participants will hold meetings to share the results and challenges, with the aim of creating manuals for drone flights over rivers and coming up with support measures for necessary facilities and equipment such as places for landings and takeoffs, according to the officials.

JIJI Press