One of Google's sister companies has received government approval to launch a drone delivery service in the US.
On Tuesday, Wing Aviation, a subsidiary of Alphabet, became the first drone delivery company to receive air carrier certification from the Federal Aviation Administration. "Air Carrier Certification means that we can begin a commercial service delivering goods from local businesses to homes in the United States," the company said in a blog post.
The plan is to first launch a commercial drone delivery service in Virginia, where Wing has already been testing out the company's unmanned aircraft to bring Chipotle burritos. So far, the company hasn't said what specific products consumers will be able to buy over the service, but the goal is to bring items such as food and medicine.
"Air delivery also provides greater autonomy to those who need assistance with mobility," the company said in its blog post. "Also, our all-electric drones will reduce traffic on our roads and pollution and carbon emissions in our skies."
Expect Wing's delivery service to launch later this year in Virginia for the Blacksburg and Christiansburg areas. But before it does, the company first plans on reaching out to local businesses and residents to answer questions and gain feedback on the upcoming project.
Wing's delivery drones have so far been bringing foods and packages to test users free of charge. For consumers, the ordering process occurs over an app. During the pick-up process, the drone will hover at a height of about seven meters, and lower the package to you with a special line. Currently, the unmanned machines can carry packages that weigh up to 3.3 pounds.
The FAA decided to award Wing with the air carrier certificate after the company demonstrated that its technology was safe through trials both done in the US and in countries such as Australia.
"This is an important step forward for the safe testing and integration of drones into our economy," said US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in a statement. "Safety continues to be our Number One priority as this technology continues to develop and realize its full potential."
Earlier this month, Australia's aviation authorities also granted Wing approval to run a public drone delivery service in North Canberra. Through the service, local residents can buy fresh food, hot coffee and pharmacy items.