DoorDash is building its own drone delivery business
DoorDash has launched a new division called DoorDash Air after receiving FAA Part 135 certification to operate commercial drone deliveries. The company plans to develop its own custom-built drones and ground infrastructure while continuing existing partnerships with third-party drone providers.
Why it matters
This move signals a major shift for the food delivery giant toward vertical integration and autonomous logistics, potentially reducing reliance on human contractors.
DoorDash is building a drone delivery business, including its own aircraft, as part of an effort developed by its robotics and autonomy team, which will eventually operate within the company’s delivery app.
The company unveiled the new business, called DoorDash Air, after receiving a Part 135 air carrier certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. The certification allows the company to legally operate a commercial drone delivery service in the United States.
This does not mean DoorDash’s custom-built drones will be delivering burritos tomorrow, or even next month. The company didn’t provide a detailed timeline for when its aircraft would be used in operations. But before they do, it will likely begin with limited pilot programs in which the unmanned aircraft will travel short distances while remaining within the line of sight of the operator.
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