DoorDash launching in-house drone delivery system after receiving FAA approval

DoorDash launched DoorDash Air, an in-house drone delivery system in the U.S., after receiving Federal Aviation Administration approval. The company said the system is backed by DoorDash Labs, where it is building aircraft and drone infrastructure to create a “full stack” designed to scale deliveries for any merchant. DoorDash Air will rely on FAA Part 135 certification, a process the company described as rigorous, including a five-stage evaluation focused on aircraft readiness, maintenance programs and safety procedures. DoorDash did not set a timeline for commercial operations, but it said it has already completed tens of thousands of drone deliveries with partners Wing and Flytrex in cities including Dallas-Fort Worth. DoorDash expects routing mid-range orders through drones could improve driver earnings and speed.