Q-Post to fly into the future using parcel delivery drones
The Qatar Postal Services Company (Q-Post) is getting ready to step up to the next level with their plans to use drones for faster delivery of parcels around the country, according to Qatar Tribune.
When the drone service launches within the next six months, it will be a first-of-its-kind initiative anywhere in the GCC.
Q-Post has signed an MoU with the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) to set up a Smart Innovation Lab for developing an autonomous drone delivery service concept.
“We expect to launch this service in the next six months after getting all necessary approvals,” Q-Post Chairman and Managing Director Faleh Al Naemi said at the launch of Q-Post’s new e-commerce service 'Connected by Qatar Post' during the Arab Future Cities Summit.
The use of drones is aimed at making Qatar one of the best connected countries in the world, Naemi said, adding that drones are already in use for parcel delivery by some of the top postal companies in the world.
“It's a tried and tested service now. Amazon has already invested a whopping $130m to launch such a project in the United States. We want to do the same in Qatar,” Naemi said, without disclosing the amount they would invest in the project.
Q-Post’s new e-commerce venture ‘Connected by Qatar Post’
On the ‘Connected by Qatar Post’ service, Naemi said the much-awaited e-commerce service will bring the world right to the customers' doorstep in Qatar. It will allow people in Qatar to shop their favourite brands online with unique delivery options.
In addition to taking delivery from any of Q-Post's 30 branches, customers can rent the company's smart lockers in nearby localities.
The smart locker service, which was launched along with the 'Connected by Qatar Post' service, will be available to both citizens and residents for taking delivery of goods purchased online.
What makes 'Connected by Qatar Post' different from other e-commerce services in the country is the home delivery option, Naemi said, adding that no company other than Qatar Post is licensed to make home delivery in Qatar.
He said this option will make the new venture an instant hit with the customers.
‘Connected by Qatar Post’ will provide international shipping addresses in the UK, for the whole Europe and the United States.
Does it have the government stamp of approval ?
Will it ever get off the ground , hehehe
Brit: Haha hadn't thought of it that way... I've pretty much replaced every part on it by now and the only thing left is a full engine and transmission rebuild when they finally let go... God knows when that'll happen though; I thrash it like I'm in f1 but it just refuses to die... That's Toyota for you...
mohdata: This is great news. The service will be up and running within six months. You can order the parts for your Camry's next major service an have them delivered to your door .....
Cue drones crashing into each other and parcels falling from the sky... Lol just kidding, it sounds like a great plan..
How much would they charge for this service? Let's hope it's realistic. However it's a good initiative, move ahead with the times or get left behind.
I stayed in other region of GCC, but only in Qatar I experienced the speedy services of parcel purchase from Europe and south East Asia. What an extra ordinary services from Q-Post the above story will add more value to Q-post.
paandu: This is great news.. Can you please send us real pictures of the drones as and when this service deploys within the next six months...