New company builds on Swoop’s legacy with open platform strategy and plans for continued growth
Kite Aerospace Pty Ltd (Kite Aero), a newly launched company in uncrewed aviation, has announced the successful acquisition of key assets from Swoop Aero. The deal includes the Kite drone and Swoop’s well-known drone operations software platform.
The acquisition ensures continued support for Swoop’s existing customers and creates a stronger foundation for growth in drone-based logistics.
“Swoop created a global leader in drone-based logistics, widely recognized for its revolutionary technology in autonomous delivery, particularly in critical healthcare supply chains,” the company stated in a release. Now, Kite Aero plans to expand on that success.
Leadership focused on growth
Kite Aero is led by a team with over 50 years of combined experience in aerospace and uncrewed aviation. The company brings strong knowledge in autonomous flight, avionics, and regulatory compliance. This leadership group is focused on scaling safe, reliable, and impactful drone operations.
“Kite Aero is committed to building on the strong foundation that Swoop established,” said Philip van der Burg, CEO of Kite Aero. “The Kite drone and software platform have already proven their value in enabling scalable drone logistics solutions, and we see tremendous potential in taking it to the next level. Our goal is to continue to enable safe, reliable, and impactful drone operations to communities and businesses worldwide.”
Opening the platform to new partners
As part of its strategy, Kite Aero is opening its software stack and avionics systems to third-party integration. This move invites collaboration across the drone industry and allows others to build on Kite’s flight technology.
The company’s flight operating system has already logged over 36,000 autonomous flights and more than 20,000 flight hours. This platform will now be available for a wide range of uses, including logistics, emergency response, and commercial drone services.
Industry consolidation shapes new strategies
Kite Aero’s acquisition comes at a time when the drone industry is undergoing major consolidation. According to Drone Industry Insights, this trend is being driven by shifting market dynamics, regulatory pressures, and economic factors. “The drone industry is now facing a phase of realignment,” writes Hendrik Boedecker, as companies adjust their strategies for long-term sustainability. Strategic acquisitions like Kite Aero’s are part of a broader movement where companies aim to secure advanced technologies and position themselves for future growth.
Continuing a legacy of innovation
In addition to expanding the Kite platform, the company plans to reconnect with former Swoop Aero employees and partners. By doing so, Kite Aero hopes to retain the expertise and innovation that made Swoop successful.
With a focus on operational excellence, sustainability, and advanced automation, Kite Aero is aiming to lead the next phase of drone logistics and delivery.
For more information, visit www.kite.aero.
About Kite Aero
Kite Aero is focused on transforming how critical supplies and commercial goods are delivered through the sky. With over 36,000 flights and 20,000 hours already flown, the company has built a strong legacy. Its open integration approach invites collaboration and positions Kite Aero as a forward-thinking player in drone logistics
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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