Deliveroo has launched drone deliveries in Dublin as part of a trial with unmanned aerial vehicle operator Manna.
Customers within a 3km radius of Blanchardstown will be able to order from several participating local restaurants including Musashi, WowBurger, Boojum and Elephant & Castle, and their food will be flown to them in as little as three minutes.
Drones will be deployed from Manna’s local delivery hub, flying at speeds of up to 80km/h. Upon arrival, the drone hovers and gently lowers the food to the ground via a secure, biodegradable tether.
Eligible customers within the 3km radius initially need to validate their address via the app, before it confirms a suitable pin location for a safe drop-off, typically a driveway or front or back garden. Once an order is placed, they can track the delivery and will be notified when the drone is nearby so they can receive the order.
Deliveroo said it was aiming to expand the service to more restaurants as well as launch grocery and retail deliveries within the next six months.
“We’re excited to explore how drones can help us reach new customers, complementing our existing rider model and, if successful, the prospect of expanding drone deliveries across Ireland and into other markets,” said Carlo Mocci, chief business officer at Deliveroo. “Our mission is to bring local neighbourhood favourites to as many people’s doors as possible, and constantly raise the bar on the experience and service we provide.”
Deliveroo said that by bypassing road traffic, drone deliveries promised to significantly cut wait times and reduce emissions, “offering a faster and more sustainable alternative to traditional delivery methods, particularly suited to suburban locations where Deliveroo is looking to increase its presence”.
It emphasised that drone deliveries would “complement” Deliveroo’s existing, road-using delivery network.
Manna has completed 170,000 delivery flights in the Dublin area. Each drone is equipped with advanced safety features, including backup systems and a parachute, and is continuously monitored by a dedicated dispatcher throughout its flight. The company – which is based in Moneygall, near Limerick – already operates under the pan-European regulatory framework set by the EU Aviation Safety Agency, and is actively developing rollout plans in collaboration with partners and local authorities in other countries in Europe.
“Air delivery is fast, clean, and safe, offering a new avenue for local businesses to reach more consumers,” said Bobby Healy, CEO and founder of Manna Air Delivery.
In March, Deliveroo rival Just Eat similarly began trialling drone deliveries, with Manna in Dublin. “This partnership is the latest in our continued commitment to finding and testing innovative ways of enabling everyday convenience and delivering best-in-class user experience,” said Jessica Hall, chief product officer at Just Eat Takeaway.com.
In January, Amazon unveiled the location of its first planned Prime Air drone delivery in the UK. Initial flights will depart from Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Darlington, the e-commerce giant said. Before then Amazon said it must lodge a planning application with the local authority to seek permission to build a flight operation facility at the site, as well as apply for authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to fly drones in the airspace.
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