Reliable Robotics Adds Team to Prepare for Automated Cargo Flights
January 11, 2022
Reliable Robotics, which develops automated aircraft systems, has announced the appointments of two leaders in preparation for commercial cargo flights. The company said it will continue to grow its airline team and operational experience as part of a phased certification approach to bring its remotely operated aircraft system and services to market.
David DeRoise joins the company as director of finance, and Lee Tomlinson joins as the director of operations. The two join Jeff Drees, director of cargo strategy, to begin cargo services later this year.
“We are working with leading cargo carriers eager to integrate remotely piloted systems into their fleets,” said Drees, who was the former co-owner and chief commercial officer of Ameriflight. “By demonstrating crewed air cargo delivery first, we will build a solid foundation for the transition to remotely operated flights.”
The company said it is launching a new type of airline powered by advanced automation. The company said it is prioritizing hiring world-class talent and establishing safety management and operational procedures. The new additions bring a combined 80-plus years of strategic and tactical expertise in the air cargo industry, and will build the business while developing operational procedures specific to remotely piloted aircraft, the company added.
“We’ve taken deliberate steps to recruit a reputable team and further develop our experience in the air cargo sector, but certifying aircraft systems for safe routine operations takes time,” said Robert Rose, co-founder and CEO of Reliable Robotics.” We will introduce automation into the airline operation once we have proven to ourselves and the FAA that these systems can be deployed safely for commercial use.”
The company said today’s commercial aircraft typically fly through larger hubs, while many rural and remote communities are not serviced regularly. Reliable Robotics is building a remotely piloted system with the capability to land on almost any airstrip, enabling point-to-point deliveries to underserved regional airports. Once the system is certified for commercial use, cargo operators will be able to expand direct routes to more locations, gaining flexibility to fly more frequently with remotely piloted aircraft. The company said its systems can be adapted to almost any aircraft, including new electric and hybrid electric propulsion platforms.
The company recently announced Series C funding to expand its team and support certification plans for the Cessna 208 program and launch the cargo service. For more details on the company, visit the Reliable Robotics website here.
