The news that CONDOR International and Maritime Services (CONDOR IMS) is acquiring HHLA Sky, a subsidiary of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG, has stirred the European UAS industry. However, what may have surprised many is basically a consistent strategic move. The company has developed a comprehensive UAS offering steadily and consistently. The current acquisition has also filled existing gaps in the CONDOR group’s portfolio.

“Automation and portfolio simplification burden the nine-month results of HHLA.” This is the rather matter-of-fact headline Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG chose for its latest quarterly report. In its logistics division, the “strategic focus on the core business” led to a “review of the investment portfolio in the start-up sector.” One result of this review was the sale of HHLA Sky GmbH.

Increased Focus on Drones

While HHLA in Hamburg concentrates on its core business, drones are expected to receive even greater focus in Essen.

“With CONDOR Sky, we gain a digital platform that connects drones, sensors, control centers, and operational forces. We are particularly excited about the capabilities of our new team members in Hamburg and Bielefeld,” emphasizes Cornelius Toussaint, managing partner of the CONDOR Group. “They have impressively demonstrated that drone operations work in everyday life – not just in pilot projects, but every day.”

Cornelius Toussaint, Managing Partner of the CONDOR Group