In a first for the UK, Orkney – an archipelago off the north-eastern coast of Scotland – has launched a drone delivery service on a permanent basis, aiming to optimise post delivery for local residents.
The operation is the result of a collaboration between Royal Mail, Skyports Drone Services, Orkney Council Harbour Authority and LoganAir.
The newly introduced service, named the Orkney I-Port operation, is set to manage the distribution of letters and parcels between the islands.
The process will commence with the transport of post from Royal Mail’s Kirkwall delivery office to Stromness.
Following this, drones will ferry the items to postal workers on Graemsay and Hoy, facilitating their routine island delivery duties.
The drone delivery service will start with a three-month pilot phase.
Considering Orkney’s distinctive topography and the proximity of the islands, the service could potentially extend beyond the trial period under the existing regulatory frameworks.
The service is anticipated to enhance delivery times and service levels, particularly on Graemsay and Hoy, where geographical and weather-related issues often hinder regular delivery services.
In addition to efficiency, the drone-based delivery method also contributes to safety.
Using electric drones for inter-island delivery minimises potential hazards associated with postal workers travelling between ports.
The Connected Places Catapult oversees the operation, which has received financial support from the Department for Transport’s Freight Innovation Fund.
Chris Paxton, head of drone trials at Royal Mail, said: “We are proud to be working with Skyports to deliver via drone to some of the most remote communities that we serve in the UK.
“Using a fully electric drone supports Royal Mail’s continued drive to reduce emissions associated with our operations, while connecting the island communities we deliver to.”
Echoing Paxton's sentiments, Alex Brown, director of Skyports Drone Services, said: “By leveraging drone technology, we are improving mail services in remote communities, providing more efficient and timely delivery, and helping to reduce the requirement for emissions-producing vehicles.
“We’re pleased to be once again partnering with Royal Mail to demonstrate how drone operations can benefit UK logistics on this project.”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Types of bank fraud
1) Phishing
Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
2) Smishing
The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
3) Vishing
The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
4) SIM swap
Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
5) Identity theft
Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
6) Prize scams
Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
If you go
The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.
Cherry
Directed by: Joe and Anthony Russo
Starring: Tom Holland, Ciara Bravo
1/5
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
SUZUME
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