DoorDash is moving forward with an in-house drone delivery operation after receiving Federal Aviation Administration approval to conduct commercial drone flights in the United States. Multiple outlets report that the company is launching a drone program branded as “DoorDash Air,” built to delegate some delivery tasks to aircraft in an effort to reduce delivery times.
The FAA clearance described across reports allows DoorDash to operate its own delivery drones commercially. The Verge adds that DoorDash has received Part 135 air carrier certification, a regulatory status that supports commercial aviation operations, and that the approval clears the way for drone delivery to begin in the near term. Bloomberg similarly says humans will still handle most orders, indicating that drone deliveries are expected to be introduced alongside existing delivery methods rather than replacing them entirely.
Business Insider characterizes the move as launching a competing service that places DoorDash in competition with other drone delivery operators. TechCrunch also emphasizes that DoorDash has obtained the necessary FAA approval for a commercial drone delivery service.
