Zipline partners in new drone deliveries of medicines in Japan

Leading instant logistics specialist Zipline is expanding its geographical area of activity from existing African and US operations with new drone deliveries of medical supplies to Japan’s Gotō Islands.

Zipline said its entry into Japan will come through a partnership with Toyota Tsusho Corp., a subsidiary of the eponymous automotive group. The host company will create the Sora-iina subsidiary to manage drone deliveries of medical products to Gotō Islands hospitals and pharmacies, making it the 14^th Zipline associate to operate the company’s instant logistics tech. 

The pairing marks an evolution in the relationships between Zipline and Toyota Tsusho, which has been an investor in the San Francisco startup since 2018. Apart from that, however, the new service represents unchartered territory for both companies – and, indeed, UAV operations in Japan.

Services will be expanded gradually across the Gotō Islands, a chain covering about 50 miles west…