All NewsEducationTV
Equities & FundsCrypto & Digital AssetsAI & TechnologyBusiness & CorporateUS Politics & PolicyGeopolitics & Global RiskMacro, Rates & FXCommodities & EnergyEuropean Politics & MarketsAsia-PacificReal Estate & Property
Story archiveAll categories
← All Stories

DoorDash launches drone delivery business after FAA certification

Created at 29 Jul · 1:11 PM2 sources↑ Market-relevant2 events
IN SHORT

DoorDash has launched its in-house drone delivery program, DoorDash Air, after receiving FAA certification to operate commercial drone deliveries in the U.S. The company is developing its own aircraft and infrastructure, aiming to reduce reliance on human couriers and expand its logistics network.

✉Newsletter

PiQ Daily

Pick your topics. Get only what matters, on your cadence.

Key Numbers

350-poundsidewalk bot weight

Who's Involved

DoorDash
Launched DoorDash Air drone delivery business after FAA certification
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration
Granted DoorDash Part 135 air carrier certification
Stanley Tang
DoorDash co-founder and chief product officer
Wing
Alphabet's drone delivery partner with DoorDash
Flytrex
Drone delivery partner with DoorDash
DoorDash launches drone delivery business after FAA certification

↳ Why This Matters

DoorDash's move into drone delivery signifies a significant step in the evolution of autonomous logistics, potentially reducing delivery costs and expanding service reach, while intensifying competition in the burgeoning drone delivery market.

Key facts

  • DoorDash has launched its own drone delivery business named DoorDash Air.
  • The company received FAA Part 135 air carrier certification for commercial drone operations.
  • DoorDash is developing its own drone aircraft and Autonomous Delivery Platform software.
  • Initial operations will focus on short-distance flights within the operator's line of sight.
  • DoorDash will continue existing drone delivery partnerships with Wing and Flytrex.

    • DoorDash has launched its own drone delivery business, DoorDash Air, after securing a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration Part 135 air carrier certification, enabling commercial drone operations. Developed by DoorDash Labs, its robotics and autonomy unit, the program aims to integrate autonomous delivery into its app. The company is building its own aircraft and infrastructure, though a timeline for commercial deployment has not been provided. DoorDash joins competitors like Amazon's Prime Air, Alphabet-owned Wing, and Zipline in the expanding drone delivery field. Despite developing its own capabilities, DoorDash will continue its existing partnerships with Wing and Flytrex. The company views drones and sidewalk bots as part of a broader delivery network, with its Autonomous Delivery Platform determining the optimal delivery method in real-time.

    Frequently asked questions

    DoorDash Air is the name of DoorDash's new drone delivery business, which aims to integrate drone operations into its existing delivery network.

    This certification allows DoorDash to legally operate a commercial drone delivery service in the United States.

    DoorDash has not provided a specific timeline, but initial operations will likely be limited pilot programs over short distances.

    No, DoorDash will maintain its existing partnerships with Wing and Flytrex while developing its own drone capabilities.

    What Happens Next

    01DoorDash will likely begin limited pilot programs for drone delivery.
    02The company will seek FAA approval for Beyond Visual Line of Sight technology for longer autonomous flights.

    Get the newsletter.

    Pick the topics you actually care about. We'll email when there's news worth your time, on the cadence you choose. Cancel any time from your account.

    Cadence
    CME Headlines
    • Is AI Making Inflation Better or Worse?
      22 Jul · 3:26 PM

    How It Developed

    DoorDash launched its in-house drone delivery service, DoorDash Air, after receiving FAA certification.
    The company is developing its own drone aircraft and broader drone infrastructure.
    DoorDash will continue working with existing drone-delivery partners Wing and Flytrex.
    DoorDash already operates a multi-modal delivery network combining human couriers, sidewalk robots, and autonomous delivery partners.

    Sources

    T1
    DoorDash launches in-house drone delivery program after FAA certificationReuters
    T1
    DoorDash is building its own drone delivery businessTechCrunch

    Related Stories

    China Leads Global Humanoid Robot Startups Amidst US Ban Concerns
    29 Jul · 3:06 AM
    OpenAI and Anthropic Push for US Government AI Safety Review Framework
    28 Jul · 4:27 PM
    US pushes AI adoption in Southeast Asia's public sector
    29 Jul · 1:36 AM
    Honolulu AI Software Halves Permit Review Times
    28 Jul · 4:46 PM
    US awards GlobalFoundries $300 million for AI chip link development
    29 Jul · 10:39 AM