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 significantly expanded its drone delivery initiative by launching "DoorDash Air," an in-house program featuring self-developed drones and an end-to-end operational ecosystem.
This expansion is underpinned by DoorDash securing FAA Part 135 air carrier authorization, granting it full control over its drone delivery services and making it one of only eight such operators.
Drones will focus on longer-range suburban and remote deliveries, optimizing efficiency by allowing human drivers to concentrate on shorter, larger, or more complex orders, with early trials showing a 30% increase in order volume.
Beyond just aircraft, DoorDash is building a comprehensive autonomous delivery platform, including integrated hardware, software, and ground infrastructure, to seamlessly incorporate drones into its existing logistics.

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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.