Do you see drones in the air? Here's the explanation!

When the flights take place

The drone will fly several times per day between 9 and 15 from 1 – 4 December 2025. The number of flights per day may vary depending on weather and other conditions.

Route and scope

The drone flies a straight route of about seventy kilometers one way between Skellefteå Droneport in the southern part of Skellefteå and an enclosed area just north of the bus station in central Norsjö. The approach is from the southeast. From Tuesday to Thursday the aim of the test flights is for the drone to transport small parcels from Bussgods with a combined weight of about five to fifteen kilos.

About the drone

The drone has a wingspan of three meters. It takes off and lands vertically and then transitions to winged flight like an aircraft. Maximum speed is about one hundred fifty kilometers per hour and the maximum flight altitude will be one hundred twenty meters above ground. The drone is approved for flight in varying weather conditions such as cold snow and wind. Flights may be cancelled if limit values are expected to be exceeded. The drone is operated by a pilot located at Skellefteå Droneport. During takeoff and landing in Norsj staff from Arctic Aviation Hub or Bussgods will be on site.

Safety and permits

The flights are carried out with special permits from the Swedish Transport Agency. Such permits are required when drones of this size fly beyond the visual line of sight of the operator. The route contains pre programmed emergency landing sites and the drone is equipped with a parachute that can be used in urgent situations. Skellefteå Droneport is a restricted area and only authorised personnel may enter. The area in Norsjö will also be enclosed.

The public is advised to follow the drone flights from a distance keep away from the area and respect the barriers.

About the project

The project is led by Vinnova and examines the commercial potential for transporting goods with drones and what this requires in terms of ground infrastructure. The project which runs during 2024 and 2025 includes carrying out real flights to demonstrate the entire logistics process on the ground and in the air and to better understand the challenges and opportunities of this type of long distance drone operations. Katla Aero Arctic Aviation Hub through Skellefteå Airport VTI and Skanska participate in the project. Bussgods participates as a parcel carrier and Norsjö municipality participates as the receiving location.