UrbanLink Air Mobility, a South Florida-based advanced air mobility company, has announced a partnership with Traverse Aero to add 40 of its Orca hybrid-electric eVTOL cargo drones to its fleet.
This move is aimed at enhancing UrbanLink’s capabilities in logistics and disaster relief.
The Orca, developed by California-based Traverse Aero, is purpose-built for palletized cargo with a payload capacity of up to 550 pounds and a 600-mile range.
The drone combines battery-powered flight with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), cutting carbon emissions by up to 80%. Designed to fit into existing supply chains, the Orca is suited for a wide range of applications, including commercial logistics, emergency response, and humanitarian relief.
Deployment in Puerto Rico and South Florida
Ed Wegel, Founder and Chairman of UrbanLink Air Mobility, emphasised the Orca’s potential for regions like Puerto Rico and South Florida.
“Orca drones have the capability to transform logistics in regions like Puerto Rico and South Florida, especially during emergencies or natural disasters,” said Wegel. “They can provide rapid and precise delivery of critical supplies directly to the areas most in need, with pinpoint accuracy—even in locations that are otherwise difficult to access.”
UrbanLink plans to deploy the Orca drones in Puerto Rico, where they will assist government and relief organisations by delivering essential supplies to disaster-stricken areas. In Miami, the drones will support emergency operations and expand UrbanLink’s passenger services by carrying additional baggage and cargo.
Wegel highlighted the difficulty of integrating this technology into existing systems: “One of the primary challenges we anticipate is ensuring that the process of preparing and loading cargo onto the Orca is as seamless and efficient as possible.” Enabling rapid loading with minimal equipment and training will be critical for successful operations.
UrbanLink has also been expanding its fleet to include electric aircraft and sea vessels, like the REGENT Seaglider, which Wegel says is crucial to creating a fully integrated, zero-emission transportation network.
