On Friday, Oct. 18, Wing, in collaboration with FedEx Express, completed a scheduled commercial residential delivery using a UAS to a home in Christiansburg, Virginia, marking the launch of the first scheduled, commercial residential drone delivery service, and the first scheduled e-commerce delivery via drone delivery trial in the United States.

The delivery of the FedEx Express package was conducted as part of the UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP).
 
“Innovation has been part of the FedEx DNA since day one, and we are always looking for new and better ways to deliver the world to our customers’ doorsteps,” says Don Colleran, president & CEO of FedEx Express.

“For our customers in Christiansburg, this collaboration will test the latest innovation in the last mile of a residential package delivery. We hope that this latest addition to our delivery options will enhance the last mile service for urgent same-day deliveries, customers in rural or semi-rural areas, and other exceptional delivery needs.”

During the trial, Wing UAS will transport select FedEx packages to qualifying homes in Christiansburg, showcasing how UAS deliveries can benefit last-mile delivery services. Wing was the recipient of the first authorization from the FAA to conduct scheduled, commercial drone package delivery to residences.

FedEx customers will be able to receive eligible packages via UAS during the trial— as long as certain operating conditions are met—if they live within designated delivery zones in Christiansburg, Virginia, and if they opt-in to the Wing delivery service.

Wing’s pilot program also includes a collaboration with Walgreens, where program participants can use Wing’s delivery app to order health and wellness products.