Four years ago, when COVID-19 caused lockdowns and quarantines throughout the world, drone delivery was ramping up quickly and just in time for consumers to take advantage of contactless food delivery options.
During that time, drone delivery companies signed deals with grocery stores, drug stores, fast food companies and local businesses to have their goods brought via unmanned aerial systems.
Now, drones continue to play a role in the future of delivery with Flytrex signing a deal with sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s Subs and pizza maker Little Caesars to have food delivered by drone.
Flytrex is also touting over 100,000 drone deliveries across its North Carolina and Texas operations. The company suggests that they are the only ones to achieve this mark, and they have seen 70% of households in the delivery area use the service.
The company, which received FAA approval to expand its delivery radius to two nautical miles, said it can deliver food in under two minutes at flight distances up to two miles. The average delivery time is about four minutes and 30 seconds, which Flytrex said is faster than car delivery without traffic.
Delivery data
Among the 100,000 deliveries, Flytrex said bananas, limes and ice cream are the most ordered grocery items. Overall, fresh produce represents 36% of orders and 10% represents sweets and snacks.
The top five items ordered from restaurants via drone?
- French fries
- Chicken nuggets
- Turkey sandwiches
- Chicken sandwiches
- Burrito bowls
