DoorDash launches in-house drone delivery program after FAA certification

DoorDash is expanding its delivery capabilities with the launch of its own drone delivery program, DoorDash Air. The company secured U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certification to operate commercial drone deliveries, marking a significant step in its pursuit of autonomous delivery.

Developed by DoorDash Labs, the company's robotics and autonomy unit, the program is intended to eventually integrate into the main delivery app. DoorDash is reportedly building its own aircraft and drone infrastructure, though a timeline for widespread commercial deployment has not been provided.

This move places DoorDash alongside other major players in the drone delivery space, including Amazon's Prime Air, Alphabet-owned Wing, and Zipline. Despite developing its own technology, DoorDash plans to continue its partnerships with existing drone delivery operators like Wing and Flytrex. The company already utilizes a diverse delivery network that includes human couriers, sidewalk robots, and autonomous partners, with drones now set to become an additional option.