A yearlong trial of drone flights delivering small cargo between lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Marine Terminal is set to begin before the end of April, according to an announcement made by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Skyports Drone Services Thursday.

The first automated drone flight is scheduled for takeoff on April 27. Flights will operate weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a fixed route across the East River and away from residential buildings.

During the trial, the drones will carry nonhazardous cargo, including medical supplies, the Port Authority stated at the announcement on Thursday.

Officials said that the goal of the trial is to test drone-based cargo delivery routes that could help move goods across the region while reducing congestion on city streets.