Drone Delivery Upgraded by FAA to Beyond Line of Sight

Drone-delivery service Drone Express has rebranded as DEXA after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified its Part 135 Application, which allows it to make commercial beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) deliveries.

The rebrand represents a “pivotal moment” for the company as it moves from a commercial operator under the FAA’s Part 107, or small unmanned aircraft system (UAS), rule to a full-fledged air carrier authorized to conduct autonomous BVLOS flights for compensation. The FAA grants Part 135 certification after a carrier demonstrates its ability to maintain a high level of safety and reliability while complying with FAA regulations. DEXA is now one of six drone-delivery companies, including Amazon, Google and Zipline, with Part 135 certification.

"This change reflects the success of our years-long commitment to placing safety and regulations at the forefront of everything we do,” DEXA CEO Beth Flippo said in an announcement. “We are confident that DEXA better embodies our vision and the forward-thinking direction we are pursuing. As we enter this new chapter, our enthusiasm for the future is stronger than ever."

DEXA, which was founded in 2021 and has an exclusive partnership with Microsoft to co-develop in-flight navigation systems using AI, submitted its Part 135 application in May. It launched delivery operations in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in September.

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

“The DEXA brand represents innovation, operational excellence and eco-friendly practices in the rapidly evolving world of autonomous flight,” the company said in announcing the certification and rebranding. “This reaffirms the company's mission to create a future lifestyle that seamlessly integrates technological advancement with environmental responsibility.”