In one of the UK’s most ambitious drone logistics programmes to date, Streamline Shipping Group, in partnership with Windracers, has successfully demonstrated how autonomous air freight can transform island delivery – while directly aligning with principles laid out in the University of Birmingham’s Future Flight report.
The project formed part of the UKRI-funded Future Flight Challenge, and was carried out over a 9-week period within the Sustainable Aviation Test Environment (SATE) in Orkney. Windracers’ ULTRA™ platform – prominently featured on the report’s front cover – was used to trial a series of sustainable, last-mile drone deliveries in collaboration with Streamline’s operations team. Chapter 2 of the report features contributions from SATES’ Lukas Princ, reflecting on the real-world potential of these services.
Delivering Where It Matters Most
Flying between Eday, Westray and North Ronaldsay, the trial saw drones travel over 2,000km autonomously – transporting essential items including shellfish, water samples, medical supplies, and standard parcels. Streamline integrated the drones directly into its logistics network, with up to 90% of last-mile deliveries on those routes handled by air.
The drones – part of Windracers’ ULTRA UAV fleet – carry up to 100kg over 600km, making them ideal for servicing remote regions where ferry reliability, weather, and travel time present daily challenges.
Meeting Public Expectations Head-On
Public support for drone logistics is growing – but only when it’s safe, sustainable, and inclusive. According to the University of Birmingham’s 2025 Navigating Future Flight report:
- 77% support drones for underserved or remote areas
- 76% believe drones reduce road traffic
- 68% say the benefits outweigh the drawbacks
Streamline’s programme was designed with those very principles in mind – with CAA approval, real-time integration into existing logistics systems, and end-to-end environmental oversight.
Zero Emissions. Zero Disruption.
Environmental impact studies during the trial showed no negative effect on seabird colonies, and wildlife behaviour on the islands remained undisturbed. Noise levels were significantly lower than manned aircraft, and drone use replaced multiple ferry and vehicle trips – helping reduce carbon emissions across Streamline’s network.
As part of a wider move toward net-zero freight, the drone project complements Streamline’s electric van rollout, hydrogen HGV trials, and unmanned seafaring vessels already in early-stage testing.
Next Stop: Orkney to Shetland
Building on the trial’s success, Streamline will next expand drone services between Orkney and Shetland, with a roadmap extending to 2028 that includes:
- Medical supply delivery in partnership with NHS Scotland
- Critical infrastructure and emergency response support
- A full drone network across Scotland’s island communities
Public trust will remain front and centre. New measures will include:
- Community Drone Advisory Groups
- A public dashboard tracking flights and environmental data
- Transparent reports on carbon reduction and delivery impact
Leading by Example in UK Drone Logistics
Streamline’s work proves that with the right partnerships, public engagement, and sustainability strategy, drone delivery can be more than innovation – it can be infrastructure.
This is logistics designed for people, places, and the planet – not just the bottom line.
