Cornwall Airport Newquay Joins Drone Network That Could Fly NHS Supplies to Scilly

A new partnership signed today could see medical drones flying between mainland Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, with Cornwall Airport Newquay teaming up with Open Skies Network to expand advanced aviation capabilities across the Duchy.

The agreement gives OSN access to the airport’s newly installed air traffic control radar, opening up flight capabilities in the region that could underpin NHS medical drone deliveries to the islands.

What the deal means

Cornwall Airport Newquay becomes part of OSN’s network of New Aviation sites worldwide, a move designed to diversify the airport’s revenue beyond traditional commercial flights and sit alongside the work already happening at Spaceport Cornwall.

The radar access is the technical heart of the deal. It expands the area in which OSN can operate flights and adds Newquay to a growing cluster that already includes ASONE Park at St Merryn Airfield.

Two airfields, longer reach

Gareth Whatmore, CEO of Open Skies Network, said the Newquay link works hand in hand with the company’s existing St Merryn site.

“This new partnership with Cornwall Newquay Airport complements our ongoing work with ASONE Park at St Merryn Airfield, allowing us to support aircraft that need longer runways while providing the close-proximity, dual-site capability required by certain new aviation service providers,” Gareth said.

He framed the broader picture as a chance to bring investment into Cornwall while building out the practical infrastructure needed for next generation flight.

“Next generation, sustainable aviation, such as drones, autonomous and electric aircraft, represent an exciting opportunity to improve services and local connectivity, as well as attracting valuable inward investment to the region.”

“As with all innovations, there is a lot of work involved with developing the networks, capabilities and infrastructure to support those services. That is why this partnership with Cornwall Airport Newquay is so important, both strengthening OSN’s regional and international offer but also supporting delivery of a wide range of advanced aviation projects in the local area, from R&D and demonstration activities to delivery of healthcare, specialist transport, and logistics services.”

A wider plan for the airport

Nigel Scott, Commercial Director at Cornwall Airport Newquay, said the deal fits a long term plan to broaden what the site does.

“Cornwall Airport Newquay sits at the heart of one of the UK’s most exciting, advanced aviation clusters,” Nigel said.

“The partnership with Open Skies Network strengthens that offer. It supports our long-term strategy to diversify the airport’s revenues, brings new operators and capability to Newquay, and helps move the practical delivery of advanced aviation services, from healthcare logistics through to sustainable flight, a step closer for Cornwall.”

Who Open Skies Network are

OSN is a new commercial company spun out of the Open Skies Cornwall project. Its team includes former winners of the Future Flight Challenge, community leaders, technical specialists and regulators.

The company has already developed a shared airspace Concept of Operations partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority and local aerodromes in the South West, aimed at supporting civilian drone operations across the region. It has attracted seven aircraft manufacturers and four operators to fly sorties validating commercial requirements for partners including Royal Mail, the NHS, Falmouth Harbour and Cornwall Council.

Over the past six months, OSN has announced investment to accelerate electric seaplane, amphibian and cargo drone capability in the South West, plans with JEKTA to bring luxury electric amphibious air travel to the Arabian Peninsula, an agreement with Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust on NHS medical drone deliveries, and the development of England’s first DronePort and aviation campus at ASONE Park.

Cornwall Airport Newquay holds one of the UK’s longest runways at 2,744m and is the only combined air and space port in the country, home to the UK’s first licensed spaceport. Flight information is available at cornwallairportnewquay.com/flights.