Phase 0 Technology Demonstration
Phase 1 Safety & Feasibility Testing
Phase 2 Measuring Effectiveness
Phase 3 Expanding Impact

Country

Malawi

Year Flights Began

2021

Contact Organization

VillageReach

Evidence Generated

Total # of successful flights

749

# of Months of Sustained Flights

6

Average # of Flights Per Month Carrying Payload

125

Average Flight Distance Achieved

km

Type of flight permission secured

  • No permission required
  • VLoS
  • BVLos
  • Other – see full data set

Location of Flight Permission

  • Site specific permission
  • Broad geographic permission
  • Other – see full data set

Average Payload Carried per Flight

kg

Average Flight Speed

km/h

Estimated Population Served By Flight Operations

Duration of flight permission

  • One-time
  • Limited duration
  • Unlimited duration
  • Other - see full data set

Results measured

  • Operational costs
  • Supply chain performance
  • Operations and financing models
  • Health outcomes or impact

References to Findings

Related Project Phases

Implementation Details

Status of Project

Ongoing

Contact Person

Olivier Defawe
olivier.defawe@villagereach.org

Other Partners

Malawi Ministry of Health, Malawi District Health Offices, Swoop Aero

Payload

Lab samples, immunization products, essential medicines, COVID-19 tests and vaccines, emergency medicines

Geographic Scope

2 drone hubs in Nsanje & Chikwawa districts supplying 32 health facilities

Funding Source

Focusing Philanthropy

Drone Technology

Drone Supplier

Swoop Aero

Model Name

Kookaburra

Method of Flight

VTOL fixed wing

Propulsion

Electric motor

Power Source

Battery

Payload Capacity

Maximum flight time with full payload in still air

minutes

Radio Links

Satcom

Delivery method

Landing

Role

Delivery & collection

Are major repairs possible on-site?

Yes, with 3D printer