Partnership Overview
AlterSky, based in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, has recently formed a foundational agreement with Taiwanese drone manufacturer, 7A Drones Co., Ltd., to propel the logistics drone market in Japan. This strategic partnership marks a significant advancement in the use of large logistics drones within Japanese airspace, addressing the growing demand for innovative delivery solutions.
The agreement is rooted in a shared vision of simplifying the registration process, acquiring the necessary flight permissions, developing a sales and distribution framework, and defining roles in operation and maintenance. Both companies will collaboratively assess the operational requirements, considering Japan's unique regulatory environment.
Implications and Future Plans
In the coming months, 7A Drones will refine its logistics drone specifications, ensuring compliance with Japan’s regulations and operational specifics. Similarly, AlterSky is set to examine its approach to aircraft registration and flight permission processes and develop a support mechanism for sales and integration.
The two firms are keen on identifying the potential challenges and opportunities for large-scale implementation of logistics drones, aiming to validate the feasibility of this technology in various societal applications in Japan.
Leadership Comments
Hiroyuki Murai, CEO of AlterSky, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this agreement, emphasizing the great significance of exploring logistical uses for drones in Japan. He highlighted goals of localizing drone operations, while also adhering to safety standards and ensuring societal acceptance. Murai believes that swift implementation is viable and aims to advance these efforts progressively.
On the other hand, Hsin-Sheng Hsu, CEO of 7A Drones, acknowledged the importance of collaborating with AlterSky. Hsu noted that Japan’s regulatory and operational environment for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is developed and aligned perfectly with their operational goals. Their ongoing cooperation will ensure the development of a well-suited operational model for the Japanese market.
About AlterSky
Established in 2025, AlterSky specializes in offering drone logistics and aerial show services, derived from its parent company, SkyDrive. The company boasts a strong operational history, having conducted over 1,000 flights for projects in various fields such as power infrastructure and disaster response. Their commitment lies in ensuring safe and secure drone operations, demonstrated by their growing footprint in Japan’s logistics sector.
AlterSky is strategically positioned to enhance its service offerings, drawing on its past experiences while actively pursuing partnerships that elevate drone technology’s potential.
About 7A Drones Co., Ltd.
Founded in 2018, 7A Drones is a Taiwanese company focused on large UAV systems, which are utilized across agriculture, logistics, disaster response, and healthcare sectors. With a standout capability in designing high-performance drones for critical logistical solutions, the company also holds the distinction of being the only organization in Taiwan to obtain certification for multi-copter UAVs over 25kg. Their collaboration with AlterSky is expected to accelerate their mutual goals of innovative drone logistics in Japan.
Conclusion
This collaboration between AlterSky and 7A Drones is set to pave the way for significant advancements in the logistics drone sector in Japan. By combining their expertise and understanding of the market, both companies are poised to address the challenges and harness the opportunities that lie ahead, ultimately contributing to the development of a future where drone technology plays a crucial role in logistics and supply chain efficiencies.