Burrito Drop Incoming: DoorDash Receives FAA Drone Delivery Certification
This is the only image DoorDash has teased of its delivery drone so far.
Credit: DoorDash
DoorDash is building its own drone delivery business after receiving FAA Part 135 certification, which allows it to operate commercial drones in the US. DoorDash Air, developed by its robotics team, will work alongside drivers and partner drones, not replace them—but isn’t that what they all say, in the beginning?
DoorDash says it wants to use drones for short- and mid-range orders, especially trips of 3 to 5 miles that often take longer on the ground due to traffic and other obstacles. The company will continue collaborating with Wing, Flytrex, and Manna while developing its own aircraft, systems, software, and other processes, TechCrunch reports.
Previously, DoorDash also tested Dot, its autonomous delivery robot, in Phoenix, where it carries small orders on roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks at speeds up to 20 miles per hour. Though Dot has passed testing, it’s still limited to the Phoenix metropolitan area; DoorDash has yet to announce expansion into other markets.
But are drones really ready for deliveries? Amazon Prime Air drones have repeatedly been caught dropping packages from 10 feet or higher rather than placing them gently on the ground; dropping a pizza or a bowl of teriyaki chicken would arguably be even worse.
DoorDash has not shared a full public rollout timetable for DoorDash Air, but there are rumors that it plans to start first-party drone deliveries in fall 2026. It’s expected to share more details at its annual September product event.
