‘Sky Bridge’ initiative enters second phase with drone medical deliveries

A cargo drone carrying medical supplies has begun a new test flight between Salalah and Oman’s Al Halaniyat Islands, as the Sky Bridge initiative moves into its second phase.

The mission uses the Sahm, or Arrow, unmanned aircraft. It can carry approximately 150 kilograms of medical supplies and equipment, travel at speeds exceeding 120 kilometers per hour and operate at altitudes of up to 2,000 metres.

The initiative forms part of the Gulf Green Mobility Forum, organized by Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology under the supervision of the Civil Aviation Authority. Its stated purpose is to test drone-based air cargo and assess whether the technology can move supplies to places where distance and terrain make conventional transport difficult.

The Ibn Firnas Center for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles is carrying out the mission with an entirely Omani team. Its members handle planning, loading, flight operations, monitoring, safety procedures and management. They have received specialized training in navigation, cargo handling, aviation-system coordination and emergency response.

The trial aligns with Oman Vision 2040’s focus on innovation, localizing modern technologies and building national capacity in knowledge- and technology-based sectors. It will assess the use of drones for medical and logistics services, emergency response and access to hard-to-reach areas.