Salalah – Testing of drone-based cargo deliveries to the Hallaniyat Islands has commenced using an unmanned aircraft capable of carrying around 150kg of medical supplies and equipment from Salalah to the remote island group.

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), in cooperation with the Civil Aviation Authority, launched the second phase of the Sky Bridge initiative in Dhofar on Wednesday.

The trial is using the Sahm drone, which can fly at speeds exceeding 120kmph and operate at altitudes of up to 2,000m.

The initiative is intended to assess whether drones can provide a practical alternative for transporting essential supplies to areas where long distances and difficult terrain complicate conventional logistics.

The trial is being carried out entirely by the Ibn Firnas Centre for Drones, with an Omani team responsible for planning, cargo loading, flight operations, monitoring, safety procedures and emergency management.

Team members have undergone specialised training in drone-based air cargo operations, including navigation, cargo handling, aviation systems and emergency response.

The trial marks a step towards developing domestic expertise in advanced air mobility while testing how unmanned aircraft could support healthcare, logistics and emergency services in hard-to-reach communities.

Authorities are also using the initiative to assess the wider air-cargo system surrounding drone operations, including navigation, safety, cargo management and operational controls.

Data gathered during the flights is expected to help determine whether the technology can be expanded to other sectors and locations.

The Hallaniyat Islands provide a useful testing ground because of the relative remoteness of these from the mainland and the logistical challenges involved in transporting supplies quickly.

The second phase follows earlier work under the Sky Bridge initiative to explore the use of unmanned aircraft as part of Oman’s future transport network.

The trial was launched under the patronage of H H Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, in the presence of government, security and private sector representatives.

The initiative is part of the Gulf Green Mobility Forum, which is showcasing new transport technologies, including advanced air mobility and low-emission logistics systems.

Officials said the Sky Bridge initiative also supports Oman Vision 2040 objectives to localise advanced technologies, build national skills and expand knowledge-based industries.