Technology

UPS Flight Forward gets FAA approval to start drone airline

Oct. 2, 2019

Carrier has plans to expand drone delivery to more hospitals and find other goods to transport by unmanned aircraft.

After a blessing from the Federal Aviation Administration, UPS’ Flight Forward division can start a drone airline business that would make the largest for-hire carrier in North America even bigger.

UPS plans to initially expand its drone delivery service further to support hospital campuses around the country, which it has found success in a pilot program at a North Carolina hospital. The company also plans to offer solutions for customers beyond those in the health care industry.

UPS Flight Forward’s future plans include transporting a variety of items for customers in many industries and regularly flying drones beyond the operators’ visual line of sight.

About the Author

Josh Fisher | Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief Josh Fisher has been with FleetOwner since 2017. He covers everything from modern fleet management to operational efficiency, artificial intelligence, autonomous trucking, alternative fuels and powertrains, regulations, and emerging transportation technology. Based in Maryland, he writes the Lane Shift Ahead column about the changing North American transportation landscape.