Story highlights Fleet of drones to deliver blood supplies across Rwanda

Project a partnership of tech start-up Zipline and delivery giants UPS

(CNN) From Amazon's flying delivery service to smuggling drugs over borders, the uses of civilian drones are multiplying fast.

The most valuable application yet may be as a new emergency service in Rwanda for delivering vital medical supplies, starting with blood.

A fleet of 15 drones will soon be buzzing around the vast country, bypassing the sub-standard road network, and making life-saving interventions.

The fixed-wing crafts are the product of Californian start-up Zipline, in partnership with delivery giants UPS and vaccine specialists the Gavi Alliance. The technology is cutting edge, but simple to use, according to Keller Rinaudo, Co-Founder of Zipline.

"(Users) send a text message and they'll get a text message back saying the Zip has been discharged. They'll be able to walk outside, see the delivery occur and have what they need to save the patient's life," he says.

Read More