Postal drone delivery comes to Cyprus

by Andreas Kokkinos

Cyprus post is getting an upgrade.  According to the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Giannis Karousos, Cypriot post offices will begin using drones as an alternative method to deliver mail and packages in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

The program will begin on a pilot basis.

A demonstration took place at noon in a hotel in Limassol, with Mr. Karousos stating that "the Cyprus Post is being upgraded.  The plan to use drones instead of mail delivery carriers in specific was taken after the government decided against privatizing the postal service. 

"It (drone mail delivery service) is something that is being explored globally, we believe it is the future of postal delivery and it is something we are looking at today as we participate in an EU program where, with the participation of six countries, we can determine what services we can offer using drones," the Minister added.

He pointed out that Cyprus can benefit from the use of drones due to the short distances, he said, "we are very optimistic that this technology can be used and citizens can expect many changes in the future.  Instead of hiring postal distributors or mailmen, we will begin hiring drone pilots".

Asked when the use of drone technology is expected, the Minister said that the Ministry was still trying to assess the challenges, issues and logistics with regard to drone delivery.