Deliveroo launches drone deliveries in Dublin

Deliveroo has launched drone deliveries in Dublin as part of its “continuous mission” to improve the customer experience.

The delivery platform, which has agreed to be acquired by US rival DoorDash, has partnered with drone operator Manna to test the new service in the city’s borough of Blanchardstown.

Deliveroo said it will use the initial weeks to assess how drones can help serve suburban and harder to reach locations, with the “ultimate aim of unlocking new customers through super-fast deliveries”. 

Consumers within a 3km radius of Blanchardstown will be able to order from local restaurants this week, with deliveries flown to customers in as little as three minutes.

Customers will need to confirm a suitable pin location for a safe drop off and will be notified when the drone is nearby so they can receive their order.

Drones will be deployed from Manna’s local delivery hub, and upon arrival, will hover and gently lower the food to the ground via a secure, biodegradable tether.

If successful, the platform plans to expand the service to more restaurants, as well as launch grocery and retail deliveries within the next six months.

The platform’s chief business officer Carlo Mocci said: “Our mission is to bring local neighbourhood favourites to as many people’s doors as possible, and constantly raise the bar on the experience and service we provide – so I’m thrilled to launch drone deliveries in Dublin today.

“We’re excited to explore how drones can help us reach new customers, complementing our existing rider model and if successful, the prospect of expanding drone deliveries across Ireland and into other markets.”

Deliveroo joins Amazon in utilising drones within its business, with the ecommerce giant set to launch Britain’s first drone delivery service in Darlington later this year.

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