On July 18, Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with medical and security risk services company International SOS, which will result in the companies jointly studying the viability of using aircraft or UAS to deliver medical cargo and supplies.

Under the agreement, Airbus will help to define and install reliable aircraft or UAS medical cargo deliveries as part of International SOS MedSupply services.

“We hope to develop a viable business partnership where we can assist International SOS with unmanned medical cargo delivery,” says Dirk Hoke, Chief Executive Officer, Airbus Defence and Space.

“This means using our cutting edge technology to potentially save lives, and transform the medical and travel security industry.”

To meet the requirements of preventive health programs, or in support of a medical emergency in urban or unfamiliar and remote locations, MedSupply deploys medical supplies, specialist medical care and equipment. The studies will look into urban to rural deliveries, as well as ship to shore deliveries.

Additionally, Airbus and International SOS will work together on safe, secure and enterprise UAS delivery for hub to hub distribution of medical cargo. Being that International SOS has global operations worldwide in emergency evacuation or medical resupplying, these deliveries will have to be compliant with local regulatory bodies.

Potential medical cargo delivery pilot cases are being explored in Singapore and Indonesia, so the companies will work with the local civil aviation and maritime authorities in both countries to develop these capabilities. If successful, this could be extended to International SOS operations globally.

Support for mobile hospitals, space and satellite services are some of the other potential areas of cooperation under the MOU.