Cincinnati companies will soon have an opportunity to test and engage in last-mile drone delivery.
Aviation company Drone Express recently announced the launch of their Local Partnership Program, aimed at improving last-mile delivery services in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas. The launch follows testing with major companies like Kroger Co., Papa Johns and Winsupply.
The last mile of delivery is often the most challenging and costly aspect of the delivery process as well as what Drone Express considers the most critical. It's where the customer experience is ultimately determined and where businesses can differentiate themselves from their competitors, while reducing delivery costs for businesses.
In the past 60 days, Drone Express reports Silicon Valley venture capitalists have invested more than $330 million in the drone delivery industry, reflecting the increasing demand for innovative and efficient last-mile delivery solutions. Drone Express itself was a recent recipient of new capital, landing $250,000 as a bridge for a larger Series A funding round.
Through the Local Partnership Program, the drone company is seeking partnerships with local businesses in various industries, including retail, food, healthcare and automotive. Partners will work closely with Drone Express to identify specific delivery needs and develop tailored solutions to meet them.
"We are thrilled to launch our Local Partnership Program, which will enable us to work closely with local businesses to provide fast, efficient, and safe delivery services to their customers," Beth Flippo, CEO of Drone Express, said in a news release.
Drone Express is an aviation company working on last-mile logistics by embracing autonomous flight. At the end of 2022, the company announced a partnership with Microsoft Corp to utilize its AI to develop an advanced drone software, which would further enable safe delivery without constant human observation.
The Dayton-based company has also earned a limited spot in Part 135 Unmanned Domestic Air Carrier Certification program through extensive work with the Federal Aviation Administration. Drone Express will be one of only a few companies certified to perform unmanned beyond visual line of sight flights in the United States. Securing that approval that critical to restarting the company's pilot deal with Kroger.
