DHL Express Malaysia & Pen Aviation seal a strategic partnership to participate in a Proof Of Commercialization (POC) for time–critical deliveries with unmanned aerial vehicles 

Kuala Lumpur, 20 October 2021: DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, and Pen Aviation, the industry-leading ecosystem provider for Unmanned Automated Solutions (UAS), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to commercialize time-critical goods deliveries with unmanned aerial vehicles, leveraging PEN UAS-based solutions. This initiative is in partnership with Raya Airways as the cargo drone operator. 

DHL will participate in a Proof of Commercialization (POC) by the end of 2021 to demonstrate the commercial viability of time-critical cargo drone delivery for port logistics missions, focusing on the maritime industry. The POC will undertake first- to last-mile port logistics missions jointly conducted by DHL, Pen Aviation, and Raya Airways. The POC will specifically demonstrate the cost and time optimization of a fleet of drones to streamline port logistics and distribution activities for goods at commercial ports. PEN55V, Pen Aviation’s medium-size cargo drone, will pick up and drop off packages weighing up to 12kg from the cargo ship deck to the port and vice versa, both in the day and at night.  

“Cargo drones will be the next generation of transportation in logistics. This POC comes in the wake of the recent 12th Malaysian Plan announcement where the Government of Malaysia highlighted the importance of seamless connectivity and reliability in transport and logistics. The use of drone technology will enable us to reach rural communities especially in East Malaysia, where critical items such as vaccines, medicines, and medical devices are needed while allowing us to fulfil our purpose of “Connecting People and Improving Lives”, said Julian Neo, Managing Director, DHL Express Malaysia & Brunei.  

Under this agreement, DHL and Pen Aviation will work together to certify and utilize the PEN55V to move shipments to seaports over long distances. The long-term goal is to set up a mixed fleet of PEN55V and PEN1360V, Pen Aviation’s heavy-size cargo drones designed and manufactured in partnership with Cavok-UAS. 

Jean-Bernard Boura, Managing Director and Founder of Pen Aviation, said, “We decided to tackle every single pain point that hinders unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based businesses today, starting with UAV designs that can meet aviation certification standards. But above and beyond the UAV design, we are excited to confront our overall ecosystem to DHL demanding cargo environment and demonstrate our business enabling logistics solutions, whatever the mile, whatever the mode of transportation.” 

For the same payload capability, the PEN55V micro turbine requires 3 times less energy to fly than battery-powered UAVs and does not cause any pollution challenges related to battery manufacturing, charge and recycling. In line with Deutsche Post DHL Group’s aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 (“Mission 2050”), this solution provided by PEN UAS supports our drive toward clean operations for climate protection.  

This initiative will be performed in compliance with the Civil Aviation Directive CAD 6011, a regulation by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia which allows the development of unmanned aircraft technologies. The POC will demonstrate Pen Aviation’s ecosystem superiority to successfully deliver high-volume automated logistics operations with a 24/7 UAV-based freight service. 

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/CChxi_tf8zM

Note to editors: 

Pen Aviation is an expert in safe, mission-critical flight operations for both airplanes and drones, providing heavy-duty, business-ready UAV based solutions for various applications, including logistics, smart agriculture, surveillance and security, and defence. In addition, Pen Aviation is an ecosystem provider with its unique digital platform DigiMIND™, combining and automating complex business and operational processes.  

Media Contact: 

Pen Aviation
Laetitia BOURA
Marketing and Communication Manager
Phone: +601-9383 9309
Email: laetitia@penaviation.com 

On the Internet: dpdhl.de/press 

Follow us at: twitter.com/DeutschePostDHL 

DHL – The logistics company for the world 

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world“. 

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 66 billion euros in 2020. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve zero-emissions logistics by 2050. 

About Pen Aviation Sdn. Bhd. 

Pen Aviation was founded in 2016 in Malaysia, with a vision to develop aeronautical solutions for a better living. Pen Aviation is the preferred one-stop tailored solutions provider within the aviation niche markets in Asia, catering for both civilian and governmental clients. 

Pen Aviation is focused on the service fields of Consultancy and Project Management, Aircraft Sales and Acquisition, Charter Concierge, Investment Opportunities, Business Development for Aircraft Management companies and Unmanned Automated Solutions (UAS) within the product matrix which includes fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, amphibious aircraft and UAV. 

PEN UAS is Pen Aviation brand for UAS, and provides governmental bodies and private sector with unmanned automated ecosystem solutions. PEN UAS is the go-to industrial drone shop for organizations looking for customized solutions.