UPS is seeking federal approval to begin using drones for delivery of packages in a bid to increase growth in strategic markets such as small- and medium-sized businesses, e-commerce, healthcare and life sciences.
As part of its approval, UPS has created a subsidiary called UPS Flight Forward and is seeking a certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate the drone delivery. The certification will allow application for FAA-approved flight operations beyond line of sight, at night and with an unlimited number of drones and operators in command.
Previously, UPS has been running pilot projects using drones for medical deliveries in North Carolina and for package deliveries in Florida.
UPS is working with its partner Matternet on the medical samples deliveries. The partnership will pave the way for service expansions to several other U.S. healthcare networks that have expressed interest in similar services.
