Virginia gets pilot project to use drone delivery for FedEx, Walgreens
Wing Aviation LLC is collaborating with FedEx Express and Walgreens to launch a “first-of-its-kind drone delivery service” in Christiansburg Virginia next month, according to a release from Wing.
The pilot program is designed to “demonstrate the many benefits of drone delivery to communities by exploring methods to enhance last-mile delivery service, improve access to health care products, and create a new avenue of growth for local businesses.”
Wing says drone delivery in the United States “has historically been limited to small-scale demonstrations on designated test sites, or extremely short flights along pre-planned, fixed routes – all within the visual line of sight of the drone operator. Earlier this year, Wing became the first drone operator to be certified as an air carrier by the Federal Aviation Administration, allowing it to deliver commercial goods to recipients that may be miles away.”
Wing’s pilot program in Virginia will be conducted as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Unmanned Aircraft System Integration Pilot Program (IPP).
FedEx customers who live within designated delivery zones in Christiansburg, and who opt in to the Wing delivery service, will be able to receive their packages via drone during the trial, provided certain operating conditions are met.
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