FlyingBasket: Electric cargo drone technology from South Tyrol

Landed cargo drone with transported goods on a meadow, with the Dolomites in the background

Green

When Freight Takes Flight

Green

Cargo drones for industrial transport

South Tyrol/Südtirol is recognised for its expertise in mobility and technology development, and FlyingBasket demonstrates how this can be translated into market-ready solutions. The start-up company from Bolzano/Bozen develops new approaches to cargo transport with its electrically operated cargo drones. Founded in 2015 by the brothers Moritz Moroder and Matthias Moroder, the company has become a recognised developer of heavy-lift cargo drones in Europe. Its mission is to make aerial lifting and transport operations accessible to a wide range of industries. FlyingBasket’s cargo drones enable more efficient and safer transport, even where conventional solutions reach their limits. Thanks to their electric propulsion, they produce no direct exhaust emissions at the point of use during flight.

Safer, more efficient and eco-friendly freight transport

The idea took shape during a hike in the Dolomites. A helicopter transport inspired the founders to look for a simpler and more sustainable way to move cargo in difficult terrain. Nowadays, the FB3 drone can lift a net load of up to 100 kg and is being used in a variety of fields: the construction of wind farms, alpine terrain, major construction sites, or telecom tower maintenance.

One particular milestone was reached in 2024 off the shore of the North Sea: “In just 10 days, our drones transported 5.5 tonnes of material to an offshore wind farm—a task that would have taken weeks using conventional means”, says Moritz Moroder. The company’s most recent success was subsequently achieved in 2025 off the British coast: as part of a large-scale project by Ørsted, the world’s largest developer of offshore wind power outside of China, FlyingBasket drones carried out hundreds of flights to more than 400 wind turbines. That way, it was possible to deliver material safely and precisely without having to power down the turbines—unprecedented for the international wind energy industry.

Offshore wind farm with cargo drone approaching while carrying a container

Pioneering work in technology and regulation

FlyingBasket has obtained authorisations for operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and has been involved in the development of operational frameworks for professional drone services. Nowadays, FlyingBasket employs more than 25 team members from nine nations. For the future, the company values substance: there are targeted investments in technology, process optimisation, and a company culture based on team spirit and long-term thinking. Together with partners such as the Italian postal service and Leonardo, FlyingBasket is working to establish permanent drone services between logistics centres, supporting the development of automated logistics processes and new transport solutions between logistics hubs.

Cargo drone carrying an object, with the Dolomites in the background and a man in a safety vest in the foreground

Behind the scenes

Gain insights into outstanding companies in South Tyrol. They showcase the potential of this unique business region and set new standards beyond its borders.