“The region R10 in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in Sweden has conducted desktop simulations in workshop format for advancing Innovative Aerial Mobility. Through joint workshops with Luftfartsverket and Aero EDIH, the project enables researchers, planners, and decision-makers to explore realistic 2030 airspace scenarios, understand forthcoming U-space frameworks, and assess operational, planning, and governance implications in the lower airspace. By coupling policy, foresight, and desktop simulations, R10 strengthens collective readiness for safe, scalable, and well-integrated autonomous aerial mobility.”, says Rasmus Lundqvist, Innovation Lead, Aero EDIH.
Challenges
Rural regions in Sweden face significant challenges in logistics and healthcare delivery due to long distances and limited infrastructure. Region 10 sought to explore how drones could become part of the local infrastructure for transporting goods and medical supplies.
The challenge was to identify feasible routes, regulatory constraints, and operational models for integrating drones into existing logistics chains. This required a collaborative approach involving municipalities, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and scalability.
Solutions
The solution was implemented through a comprehensive simulation workshop organized by Aero EDIH in collaboration with LFV and Region 10 municipalities. The workshop began with an overview of current drone regulations and practical steps for short-term deployment using LFV’s Dronechart (UAS) tool. This provided participants with a clear understanding of the regulatory framework and immediate opportunities for implementation.
The second part of the workshop focused on future capabilities, including desktop simulations of U‑Space corridors and drone airways for healthcare and logistics applications. These simulations explored routes from Lycksele Airport to the hospital, Skellefteå Airport to Skellefteå Hospital, and corridors in Storuman, Vilhelmina, and Hemavan. The scenarios also considered long-distance deliveries to wind farms and mining sites, emphasizing risk mitigation strategies for populated areas and restricted zones.
Discussions addressed vertiport design, landing site security, and operational challenges such as rooftop deliveries and controlled access for sensitive cargo. By combining regulatory insights with practical simulations, the workshop enabled stakeholders to visualize how drones could be integrated into regional infrastructure systems for goods and services.
Results and Benefits
The workshop delivered significant results by increasing awareness of drone deployment opportunities and generating validated use cases for healthcare logistics and commercial applications. Participants gained a clear understanding of how drones can complement existing transport systems, particularly in rural areas where traditional logistics face limitations.
The simulations demonstrated feasible corridors under current regulations and outlined future U‑Space integration for scalable operations. This provided municipalities with actionable insights into planning safe and efficient drone routes while considering ground impact risks and regulatory compliance.
Another key outcome was the identification of vertiport requirements and security measures for handling sensitive or high-value cargo. The workshop also highlighted the potential for drones to reduce delivery times for medical supplies, improve access to healthcare services, and support critical industries such as mining and energy through rapid delivery of components.
These benefits translate into improved regional connectivity, enhanced resilience in supply chains, and new business opportunities for logistics providers. By fostering collaboration between municipalities, regulatory authorities, and technology experts, the project laid the foundation for future drone integration in regional infrastructure, aligning with sustainability goals and digital transformation strategies.
Perceived Social and Economic Impact
Drone integration in regional logistics can transform service delivery in rural areas, reducing delays in medical transport and improving access to essential goods. This supports public health, strengthens local businesses, and enhances resilience in critical sectors such as mining and energy. The approach also aligns with sustainability goals by reducing reliance on traditional transport for short and medium distances.
Lessons Learned
Do’s:Engage stakeholders early to align regulatory, technical, and operational requirements. Use simulation tools to validate routes and identify risks before physical deployment. Consider healthcare and critical services as priority use cases for initial implementation.
Don’ts: Do not underestimate the complexity of landing site design and security; rooftop deliveries are rarely practical. Avoid planning corridors without thorough risk analysis for ground impact and restricted areas. Do not delay discussions on U‑Space integration and USSP (drone airspace corridors) frameworks, as these will shape future scalability.
“The workshop with Aero EDIH and LFV helped us understand the basics and put the issue of unmanned transport in the lower airspace into a comprehensible context. The effort also contributed to creating an understanding of the challenges we face in the near future” says Eric Lundström, Head of Urban Planning, Lycksele Municipality.
