Alphabet-owned drone delivery spin-out Wing has started its services for US customers with its first deliver made in Virginia.
The Alphabet subsidiary is the first drone delivery company to get the go-ahead from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The company has started delivering snacks and health care products to residents of Christiansburg.
FedEx Express, Walgreens and local Virginia retailer Sugar Magnolia who are Wing’s collaborators, are the first businesses in the US to offer this form of local air delivery to customers.
Christiansburg resident Paul Sensmeier ordered a birthday gift for his wife Susie that was scheduled for delivery via FedEx Express. “We’re always excited about new things. It’s not always easy getting up and getting out. Paul broke his leg in June. We know what it’s like to feel stuck sometimes," Susie told Wing.
Michael and Kelly Collver were another customer in Virginia to avail Wing's drone service. The couple ordered a cough and cold pack from Walgreens.
Alphabet’s Wing says that it hopes to replace deliveries that are typically made by car or truck in order to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Wing promises to deliver orders within minutes. A spokesperson said that there are no extra fees for the deliveries.