DroneUp, an autonomous drone delivery and logistics company, has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone deliveries in the U.S.

With this approval, DroneUp is now authorized to start BVLOS operations immediately at Riverside Health System facilities. This development is a crucial step towards a broader deployment of BVLOS drone deliveries at various locations nationwide, both with existing and potential new customers. DroneUp has become one of the few companies in the U.S. to hold a BVLOS waiver specifically for medical deliveries.

This new capability allows DroneUp to operate drones beyond the direct visual line of sight of the remote pilot in command for the entire duration of the flight. Moreover, the requirement for participating visual observers to maintain sight of the drones is no longer necessary. This advancement is expected to significantly enhance operational capabilities and reduce costs in the last-mile delivery process, particularly by minimizing the need for human resources. The company anticipates this will lead to the accelerated deployment of autonomous drone deliveries on a larger scale.

Tom Walker, CEO of DroneUp, emphasized the importance of this milestone, linking it to the company’s commitment to safety and innovation. He hinted at upcoming technologies that, combined with BVLOS capabilities, could substantially increase commercial scalability in the industry.

John Vernon, Chief Technology Officer at DroneUp, highlighted the efficiency gains in medical deliveries this approval could bring. The ability to fly BVLOS is expected to greatly improve the timeliness and efficiency of delivering crucial supplies to healthcare facilities and patients.

This FAA approval paves the way for significant advancements in the field of drone delivery. DroneUp plans to explore new partnerships and avenues to further develop its capabilities and expand its reach. The company envisions a future where autonomous drones play a vital role in revolutionizing last-mile logistics for various sectors, including retail, quick-service restaurants, pharmacies, and healthcare organizations.