ASL Aviation and robotics developer to work on autonomous cargo planes

Aviation services provider ASL Aviation Holdings, and Reliable Robotics Corporation, which develops autonomous aircraft systems are collaborating to develop automated aircraft.

Together, the companies will select a suitable aircraft for Reliable’s Remotely Operated Aircraft System. The company’s lan to start with large twin-engine turboprop freighters.

ASL and Reliable will jointly assess the demand for remotely operated aircraft in Europe. Both companies are part of the ASL CargoVision Forum, which brings together companies engaged in the development of sustainable aviation technologies.

“This collaboration between ASL and Reliable is anchored on a common purpose to fully evaluate how remote and single pilot technologies can be developed and used to deliver safe, reliable and cost-effective cargo and passenger services,” said ASL Aviation Holdings director, Hugh Flynn.

“At ASL we are looking at how new technologies will change and improve aviation, and how we can be at the forefront of that change to offer enhanced services to our customers.”

In addition to remotely piloted air cargo services, the companies will evaluate aircraft suitable for remotely piloted humanitarian operations.

“ASL and Reliable see urgent market demand for automated systems that will enhance safety, increase utilization of aircraft assets and support sustainability goals. ASL shares our commitment to investing in pioneering technology development to serve industry needs and improve how goods and people are transported,” said Myles Goeller, chief business officer of Reliable Robotics.

ASL Aviation Holdings operates airlines based in Europe, South Africa and Asia, serving major cargo and passenger airlines. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, ASL Aviation Holdings operates cargo services for major express parcel integrators and online retailers. ASL has a global team of 3,000 people. Its fleet of 130 aircraft includes seven aircraft types ranging from the turbo prop ATR 72 to the Boeing 747.

Reliable Robotics launched in 2017 to bring certified autonomous vehicles to commercial aviation as soon as possible. The company’s automation system enables remote operation of any aircraft type. The company is headquartered in Mountain View, California, and has a distributed global workforce.