Uber and Zipline partner for drone food delivery

Uber has announced a partnership with drone delivery company Zipline to launch drone-based food delivery for Uber Eats. The service is expected to begin in U.S. markets where Zipline already operates, specifically starting in Dallas and Houston, with plans to expand to dozens of additional cities.

The partnership aims to significantly reduce delivery times, potentially bringing orders down from an average of 30 minutes to just 5 to 10 minutes. Zipline utilizes fixed-wing drones that deliver packages via parachute to designated points such as yards or rooftops.

Uber has made a strategic investment in Zipline, though the specific amount remains undisclosed. The companies have set an ambitious goal to reach one million drone deliveries per day by the end of 2029. Zipline, which operates across four continents, has already completed over two million deliveries and maintains partnerships with various major restaurant chains and retailers.