Bolzano, 13.10.2025
Twenty-one drone flights, four alpine huts, more than a ton of goods delivered: these are the results of the pilot project conducted by FlyingBasket, the South Tyrol–based technology company and global leader in cargo drone logistics, in collaboration with the Autonomous Province of Bolzano.
For the first time in South Tyrol, cargo drones were used to supply mountain huts inaccessible by road under real operating conditions. The initiative, titled “Pilot Supply to Mountain Huts – Summer 2025,” saw FlyingBasket’s drones reach the Borletti, Payer, Vedretta Pendente, and Vallaga huts.
The aircraft operated at altitudes exceeding 3,000 meters, carrying payloads of up to 120 kilograms per hour and delivering a total of around 1,000 kilograms of goods.
Deliveries included both perishable food items — such as eggs, milk, bread, and apple juice — and heavy or bulky materials like fire extinguishers, beer kegs, wooden briquettes, and cooking oil. On their return flights, the drones transported empty crates and barrels down to the valley, showcasing the efficiency and circular potential of the system.
A Sustainable Alternative to Traditional Logistics
Until now, alpine huts have relied on helicopter transport — a costly, noisy, and carbon-intensive method. FlyingBasket’s drone technology offers a cleaner, safer, and more cost-efficient alternative, minimising emissions and noise pollution while operating in challenging terrain.
As South Tyrol’s tourism continues to grow, sustainable logistics have become an essential component of mountain infrastructure. This pilot project not only demonstrates the feasibility of emission-free resupply but also helps reduce the impacts of overtourism by cutting down on unnecessary transport runs and keeping huts well equipped without additional road or air traffic.
Founded in Bolzano in 2015, FlyingBasket has become a reference point in the European drone logistics sector, developing and operating heavy-lift cargo drones across multiple countries. Despite its international reach, the company remains deeply connected to its Alpine roots — testing its technology in the very environment that inspired its creation.
“We are extremely proud to have successfully completed this project,” said Moritz Moroder, CEO and co-founder of FlyingBasket.
“Cargo drones can revolutionize alpine logistics: they’re more sustainable than helicopters, safer and more economical, and able to serve mountain huts without harming the environment. It’s an important step that strengthens the connection between technological innovation and the territory — making the mountains more accessible, without compromising their integrity.”
The project was carried out on behalf of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, which strongly supports innovation in sustainable mobility and mountain management.
“The pilot program conducted with FlyingBasket in the summer of 2025 has proven that drone-based resupply for alpine huts is now a concrete, reliable reality,” said Christian Bianchi, Provincial Councilor for Public Works.
“This is a modern and sustainable solution that significantly lowers operational costs and eliminates CO₂ emissions compared to helicopter flights. The seasonal CO₂ savings — between 4.7 and 7.6 tons — equal the annual absorption of 400 to 630 trees.
It’s tangible proof that technology can make a real contribution to climate protection and the quality of mountain services. As a Province, we will continue to support these projects with conviction — they represent a key step toward a more respectful and sustainable way of living the mountains.”
FlyingBasket is a European leader in heavy-lift cargo drones, developing UAVs capable of transporting payloads of up to 100 kg, making aerial lifting and transportation available to all industries. Its solutions are pioneering the use of drones in energy and middle-mile logistics.