Drone Company Gets FAA Nod, on Track for Out-of-Sight Deliveries

Drone delivery company Drone Express has hit a milestone in its certification process with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval that paves the way for the company to make beyond-visual-line-of-sight deliveries. 

The FAA has accepted the Drone Express Part 135 Application to become a fully certified unmanned air carrier. The company now moves into the process of showing it can maintain a high level of safety and reliability while complying with FAA regulations.

Once fully certified, Drone Express would join other companies authorized for unmanned beyond-line-of-sight commercial deliveries including Amazon, Google and Zipline.  

Drone Express CEO Beth Flippo called the FAA approval a “testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Drone Express team.”

"We are thrilled to have reached this pivotal moment, which unlocks immense potential for the future,” Flippo said. “Drone delivery will transform the way goods are transported, offering significant benefits in terms of speed, cost-effectiveness and environmental impact. With the FAA's approval, we are excited to embark on the next phase of our journey, bringing the future of delivery to communities across the country."

On the heels of the announcement, Flippo is set to speak at the Qatar Economic Forum this week. 

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"I am deeply honored by the opportunity to address the esteemed audience at the Qatar Economic Forum and to share Drone Express's journey toward commercial delivery," Flippo said. "This opportunity will highlight our commitment to redefining the last-mile logistics landscape through the seamless integration of autonomous delivery. Our mobile application and delivery service will change how families shop and live."