How DoorDash Plans to Build Drone Delivery Business

Launch of new Air unit coincides with FAA’s issuance of Part 135 air carrier authorization.

Jack Daleo

Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

DoorDash on Wednesday provided a sneak peek of the drone it is building, sharing a portion of the aircraft’s nose. [Credit: DoorDash]

Key Takeaways:

DoorDash has launched "DoorDash Air," an in-house drone delivery program, after securing FAA Part 135 air carrier authorization to operate its own drones and control the entire delivery ecosystem.
The company is developing its own drones and full support infrastructure to handle longer-range suburban or remote deliveries, aiming to improve efficiency and free up human drivers for shorter, complex routes.
This strategic move positions DoorDash as a key player in the expanding drone delivery market, with early trials showing increased order volumes and faster delivery times for specific routes.
DoorDash is the eighth drone operator to obtain Part 135 authorization, entering a field that is rapidly growing but also navigating ongoing safety concerns and regulatory developments like the proposed Part 108 rules.

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Low-altitude airspace is about to get busier as food delivery platform DoorDash throws its full weight behind drone delivery.

The delivery platform unveiled an in-house drone delivery program, DoorDash Air, that it said will be operated by drones it is developing itself. DoorDash since 2024 has used drones from partners Wing, Flytrex, and Manna to offer the service in parts of Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, and Georgia.