In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead talks with Manoel Coelho, CEO and Founder of Speedbird Aero, the company pioneering autonomous logistics and drone delivery.

From launching Brazil’s first certified drone delivery operation to partnerships in Israel, Scotland, and Singapore, Speedbird is proving how unmanned aerial systems (UAS) can transform food, medical, and cargo transport.

Manoel shares how his team overcame regulatory and technical hurdles to deliver real-world impact — from tackling food scarcity to enabling advanced medical logistics.

This episode explores what’s next for Part 108 drone operations, insights from BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) missions abroad, and why collaboration with aviation authorities is key for the future of aerial mobility.

If you’re in aerospace, logistics, or curious about autonomous flight, this is a must-listen masterclass in innovation.

💡 Episode Highlights
• The journey of Speedbird Aero — from concept to certification.
• Overcoming Brazil’s toughest aviation and safety challenges.
• BVLOS success stories — drones solving food and delivery gaps.
• Lessons from missions in Israel, Scotland, and Singapore.
• Balancing technology, automation, and human oversight.
• What Part 108 means for U.S. drone operations.
• Building a connected global drone ecosystem.

🕒 Key Points & Timestamps

[00:00:00 ] – Opening Thoughts
Manoel Coelho on the slow but essential process of scaling drone operations and public acceptance.

[00:01:00 ] – Welcome
John introduces the episode, sponsored by XTI Aerospace, and sets the stage for BVLOS and the vertical economy.

[00:02:20 ] – Meet Manoel
CEO of Speedbird, Brazil’s first ANAC-approved drone delivery operator, and a global BVLOS pioneer.

[00:04:21 ] – Launching in Brazil
Starting with food delivery through iFood, Latin America’s largest delivery company.

[00:06:44 ] – Early Challenges
From certification to operational safety, Speedbird proved the viability of commercial drone logistics.

[00:07:54 ] – Airspace Integration
First to integrate with Brazil’s Air Force ATM system — daily NOTAMs and 10-hour drone operations.

[00:09:15 ] – Solving Real Problems
Connecting cities divided by rivers and congestion — delivering food where roads couldn’t.

[00:10:54 ] – Community Impact
Public curiosity turned to trust as drones became part of daily life.

[00:13:44 ] – Automation & Remote Operations
Shifted from local pilots to remote control centers 2,000 km away — enabling true BVLOS scalability.

[00:19:12 ] – Medical Logistics
Expanded to lab and organ transport, earning Brazil’s first UN 3373 Category B certification.

[00:22:01 ] – Global Expansion
Partnerships with Cando Drones (Israel) and Skyports (Scotland, Singapore) — learning from UTM and GPS-denied zones.

[00:25:14 ] – Weather Operations
Adapting to microclimates and integrating weather data for safe flight planning.

[00:27:54 ] – Non-Cooperative Traffic
Highlighting risks from uncoordinated aircraft and stressing global airspace accountability.

[00:30:19 ] – Part 108 in the U.S.
Why BVLOS growth lags and how Part 108 could enable nationwide scaling.

[00:34:27 ] – Connected Airspace Future
The vision for UTM, cross-border operations, and Speedbird’s global collaborations.

👤 Guest Bio — Manoel Coelho
CEO and Co-Founder of Speedbird Aero, the first company in Latin America certified by ANAC for drone delivery. A telemedicine innovator with 10+ years in aviation integration, Manoel has led thousands of BVLOS missions worldwide, advancing drone logistics for food, medical, and cargo delivery.

His leadership positioned Speedbird as a global player, partnering with iFood, Skyports, and Cando Drones, and collaborating with aviation authorities globally.
🔗 LinkedIn – Manoel Coelho

About Speedbird Aero
Speedbird Aero is a Brazil-based leader in autonomous logistics and drone delivery. Founded by Manoel Coelho, it became Latin America’s first ANAC-certified company for commercial BVLOS operations. Speedbird delivers food, medical supplies, and cargo across challenging terrains through partnerships in Israel, Scotland, Singapore, and the U.S.
🌐 www.speedbird.aero

🗣️ Notable Quotes
“We can’t scale yet because people still need to understand — unmanned aircraft will be flying more and more.” – Manoel Coelho
“Our goal was simple: solve the problem first, prove the economics, then scale.” – Manoel Coelho
“It’s not just drones; it’s the future of mobility, commerce, and connection.” – John Ramstead
“BVLOS doesn’t mean the pilot sits nearby — it means the pilot can be anywhere.” – Manoel Coelho
“Cargo drones are here now. Let’s start paying attention before the skies get crowded.” – Manoel Coelho