Quickstep Holdings has announced a manufacturing partnership with Swoop Aero. Quickstep will supply Swoop Aero with engineering and manufacturing services, tooling and an initial production run of aircraft ship sets for its recently launched KITE unmanned cargo aircraft.

The initial order value under the strategic supply agreement with Swoop Aero is approximately $1.5 million with a delivery period expected to run through to mid-2022. Swoop Aero has indicated that there is scope for Quickstep to potentially supply a larger number of aircraft ship sets in the future if demand meets internal forecasts.

Additionally, Quickstep has signed an agreement to invest $2 million in convertible notes which may convert into a minority stake in Kookaburra Aerospace Pty, the parent company of Swoop Aero.

Mark Burgess CEO of Quickstep says: “We are delighted to be partnering with a purpose-driven organisation like Swoop Aero. They are developing world-leading technology and infrastructure to deliver a revolution in drone-based logistics that will positively impact large sections of humanity.”

“Our organisation is Australian made and grown, so our strategic supplier-operator collaboration with Quickstep maintains our dedicated trajectory to keep our innovation and manufacturing local, driving outcomes for Australian industry which in turn is delivering impact across the globe,” adds Swoop Aero's CEO and co-founder Eric Peck. “With demand for our services increasing worldwide, this strategic partnership will further support the growth targets for our manufacturing capability.”