Drone Delivery Takes Off in US as Chipotle, GoTo Foods Launch Pilot Projects
Drone delivery is taking off in the US, with companies like Chipotle and GoTo Foods launching pilot projects. New regulations, including a June ruling, have fuelled this growth, with industry experts predicting a boom.
Kent Ferguson, head of partnerships at Wing, believes the industry is at a tipping point due to improved regulations and infrastructure. Companies are now expanding into suburban areas to gather valuable insights for future expansion.
Chipotle, for instance, started working with Zipline for drone delivery in the Dallas region in August. However, safety, reliability, and noise concerns persist as drone delivery expands into residential areas. Companies like Amazon (Prime Air), GoTo Foods, and Chipotle are working alongside regulatory bodies such as the US Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop regulations for delivery drones, particularly for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.
Drone delivery offers retailers faster delivery times, lower labor costs, and higher customer satisfaction. Several companies, including Zipline, Wing, Flytrex, and DroneUp, are competing to lead the market. New regulations have enabled routine flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) for commercial and public purposes in the US. GoTo Foods, for example, partnered with DoorDash and Wing for drone delivery in three Texas cities in June.
Drone delivery is poised for significant growth in the US, driven by regulatory changes and expanding pilot projects. As companies gather insights and address concerns, this innovative delivery method is set to reshape retail logistics.
