Oman Commences Drone Cargo Trials to Remote Hallaniyat Islands
Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), in partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority, has launched the second phase of its Sky Bridge initiative in the Dhofar Governorate. The groundbreaking initiative tests long-range drone-based cargo deliveries to the remote Hallaniyat Islands using unmanned aerial vehicles. The trials are designed to evaluate whether autonomous aircraft can serve as a reliable, high-speed logistics alternative for delivering medical equipment and essential supplies across challenging maritime terrain.
Technical Capabilities of the Sahm Unmanned Cargo Platform
The operational trial utilizes the high-performance Sahm drone platform, which features robust performance metrics tailored for long-distance transport:
- Cargo Capacity: Engine-configured to carry up to 150 kilograms of medical supplies and critical equipment per flight.
- Flight Speed: Capable of maintaining cruising speeds exceeding 120 kilometers per hour.
- Operational Altitude: Engineered to fly efficiently at altitudes reaching up to 2,000 meters above sea level.
- Maritime Range: Specifically selected to bridge the long distance between mainland Salalah and the isolated island cluster.
Execution by Domestic Engineers at the Ibn Firnas Drone Centre
A defining aspect of the trial is its complete operational execution by the Ibn Firnas Centre for Drones, managed entirely by a specialized team of Omani professionals. Local engineers and flight operators are responsible for flight planning, cargo loading, real-time monitoring, aviation safety protocols, and emergency management procedures. The team underwent rigorous specialized training covering advanced navigation, aviation systems, and autonomous air cargo protocols to ensure full operational safety throughout the trial.
Official Inauguration at the Gulf Green Mobility Forum
The trial was officially launched under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, alongside senior government, security, and private sector representatives. Held as part of the Gulf Green Mobility Forum, the launch highlighted low-emission logistics and advanced air mobility technologies. Data collected from the Hallaniyat flights will allow aviation authorities to evaluate operational controls, cargo management systems, and safety frameworks necessary for expanding drone logistics into other sectors.
Supporting Technical Localization Under Oman Vision 2040
Ultimately, the Sky Bridge initiative directly advances the strategic goals of Oman Vision 2040 by localizing emerging technologies and cultivating specialized national expertise. Testing unmanned aircraft in remote geographical zones builds domestic capabilities in advanced air mobility, autonomous logistics, and emergency services. As the trial progresses, the Sultanate reinforces its position as a regional pioneer in adopting next-generation, sustainable transportation networks.
