Wing, a division of Google’s parent company Alphabet, became the first drone delivery company to receive Air Carrier Certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This steps means Wing can bring its commercial drone delivery service to U.S. homes and local businesses, and its first delivery trial is slated to begin later this year in Virginia.
“This is an important step forward for the safe testing and integration of drones into our economy. Safety continues to be our Number One priority as this technology continues to develop and realize its full potential,” U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao says.
To achieve the FAA certification, Wing had to prove the safety of its technology. The company brought more than 70,000 test flights and 3,000 doorstep deliveries to its Australian customers to the table, and submitted evidence that “a delivery by Wing carries a lower risk to pedestrians than the same trip made by car,” according to the company.
Before its delivery trial, Wing will continue to work with the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft System Integration Pilot Program (UAS IPP) in Southwest Virginia. In Virginia’s Blacksburg and Christiansburg areas, the company will reach out to businesses and community members to answer questions, provide drone demonstrations, and garner feedback.