Amazon, Walmart, and Wing: Drone Delivery Soars in 2024

Could online purchases arrive by drone instead of truck this year? It’s possible. Giant retailers like Amazon and Walmart are expanding their delivery ranges and refining drone technology. Restaurants and small businesses are also joining the trend, contracting with delivery drone companies.

Watch how Wing delivers a Walmart order. Video used courtesy of Wing

Last year, EEPower reviewed drone deliveries as a “developing industry.” This year, TIME magazine named Wing drone services one of the “200 Best Inventions of 2024,” marking a significant milestone in the commercial drone industry. The technology and logistics have improved, and while Wing (owned by Alphabet, the parent company of Google) is leading the way, other companies are firmly committed to pushing drone delivery from novelty to common practice.

A Wing drone carries a Walmart delivery. Image used courtesy of Walmart

Wing: Works Like a Rideshare

As the world’s largest drone delivery company, Wing has made more than 350,000 deliveries on three continents since its 2019 founding. TIME noted that Wing has “push[ed] aerial product drops past proof-of-concept and into shoppers’ neighborhoods.” This year, the company added new aircraft and expanded its routes beyond its largest partner, Walmart.

Wing compares its drone service to a rideshare. It owns the drones, but its partners order the pickups and deliveries. For retailers contracted with Wing, customers order through the app and specify drone delivery. The app tracks the delivery progress and notifies customers when their order is dropped off.

This model allows Wing to partner with major retailers like Walmart or smaller companies like fast food restaurants. For example, in London, Wing drones transport blood samples between hospitals.

Although Wing drones use vertical take-off and landing, they resemble airplanes. The company says the wings allow it to fly faster and farther and help save energy. The propellers enable it to hover while delivering.

Wing drone specs. Image used courtesy of Wing

Wing has made over 350,000 commercial drone deliveries in 10 locations on three continents. Wing delivers for six of the 11 Walmart stores offering drone deliveries in the Dallas-Forth Worth area.

According to a press release, Wing has delivered 554 limes, enough to make 700 margaritas, and enough cookies to feed a sold-out Dallas Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium. The average flight time is 3 minutes, 24 seconds.

Walmart: Better Tech, Wider Range

In 2024, Walmart expanded its range in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to provide drone delivery services to about 75% of residents. The retail giant uses Wing, Zipline, Droneup, and other companies. Walmart began drone deliveries in 2021 and has made more than 30,000 drops since then.

Walmart credits improvements in drone navigation and accuracy for its expansion. The drones are FAA-approved to fly “beyond the visual line of sight,” meaning a human observer is not always needed. However, human personnel are necessary before and after the flight to attach and retrieve the package.

Yet, many operations are automated. For example, with Wing drones, the aircraft plans the route to the drop-off point and then conducts pre-flight equipment checks. If the drone detects a fault, the flight is scrapped. Human drone operators may also consider weather conditions.

Drones and drone pilots are FAA-certified. Image used courtesy of Walmart

The drone can fly at speeds up to 70 mph and about 100 to 130 feet above the ground. It uses GPS navigation, cameras, sensors, and LiDAR to pinpoint the delivery location and avoid obstacles. Many drones have integrated artificial intelligence to quickly process information and determine a safe flight.

At the delivery point, it hovers and uses a winch to lower the package to the drop-off spot. It detaches from the package and returns to base. Customers can retrieve the package once the drone leaves the area.

Walmart’s drone delivery charges are steep—from $12.99 to $19.99—but orders can be delivered within 30 minutes.

Amazon Prime Air: Prescriptions and More

Amazon Prime Air continues to improve its drones and expand its range. It added Tolleson, Arizona, to its same-day pharmacy delivery via drone. The service is also available in College Station, Texas. Drone service in Lockeford, California, ended in April. Although the company has emphasized its pharmacy drone deliveries, customers can also order small household products, cosmetics, and office supplies.

Drone delivery trials are underway in the U.K. and Italy. Amazon, which owns and operates its drones, has expanded slower than expected. Drone plans must meet local regulations and obtain approvals, which can be time-consuming in international markets.

Amazon unveiled its MK30 drone last year, boasting its increased cargo weight (5 pounds), increased range, improved sensors, and the ability to fly in the rain.

The MK30 drone. Image used courtesy of Amazon

Amazon only allows customers to order one eligible item at a time. The delivery area must be at least 10 feet from vehicles and objects in the yard.

Growth and Limitations

UPS and DHL offer drone delivery, and other companies are starting to meet the growing demand. The industry has forged a strong foothold in meeting needs for fast, reliable, and versatile delivery. Still, drone delivery is available only in some local regions and under certain conditions due to technical limitations and regulations, which vary by country. When these obstacles are overcome, spotting a drone delivery could become as common as seeing the big brown truck.