Drone Delivery Launches in Winston-Salem, NC

Drone delivery service Drone Express has launched operations in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, at a celebration where the company also unveiled its new marketplace and mobile app. 

The Drone Express official launch included a live drone delivery demonstration, along with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The company announced in May it would be running drone deliveries in the area by late summer. 

Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines received the first ceremonial drone delivery, “marking a symbolic moment of innovation and progress for the region.”

"We're honored to be part of the Winston-Salem community and to have the support of local officials, law enforcement, and partners who share our vision for a more efficient and sustainable future," said Drone Express CEO Beth Flippo. 

“The Drone Express team extends its heartfelt thanks to the Winston-Salem community for embracing this new chapter in logistics innovation. Together, the company looks forward to a future filled with continued growth, collaboration and convenience.” 

Drone Express was founded in 2021 and has the Kroger Company, Papa John’s International and Winsupply among its retail partners. 

In May, Drone Express hit a milestone in its certification process with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval paving the way for the company to make beyond-visual-line-of-sight deliveries. 

Related:Drone Company Gets FAA Nod, on Track for Out-of-Sight Deliveries

The FAA accepted the Drone Express Part 135 Application to become a fully certified unmanned air carrier. The company now moves into the process of showing it can maintain a high level of safety and reliability while complying with FAA regulations.

Once fully certified, Drone Express would join other companies authorized for unmanned beyond-line-of-sight commercial deliveries including Amazon, Google and Zipline.