Deliveroo, the on-demand delivery platform, has today launched drone deliveries in Dublin, Ireland.
Through a new partnership with Manna, an established global drone delivery operator, the service is designed to support Deliveroo’s continuous mission to improve the customer experience.
The innovative service is based in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, with Deliveroo conducting a test phase over the coming weeks. Deliveroo will use the initial weeks to assess how drones can help serve suburban and harder to reach locations, with the ultimate aim of unlocking new customers through super-fast deliveries, complementing its extensive rider network.
Over the coming days, customers in a 3km radius of Blanchardstown will be able to order from leading local restaurants including Musashi, WOWBurger, Boojum and Elephant & Castle – flown to customers in as little as three minutes*. Deliveroo is aiming to expand the service to more restaurants and launch grocery and retail deliveries within the next six months.
In new imagery and a video released by Deliveroo today, a teal drone is seen making one of the first deliveries to a customer, with sushi from Musashi in tow. Whether it’s sushi for lunch, a Friday treat or a family gathering, the ambition is for Deliveroo’s drones to ensure orders arrive at peak freshness.
By bypassing road traffic, drone deliveries can significantly cut wait times and reduce emissions, offering a faster and more sustainable alternative to traditional delivery methods, particularly suited to suburban locations where Deliveroo is looking to increase its presence. The objective is also for Deliveroo drone deliveries to support participating merchants in growing their sales by appealing to and reaching new customers, complementing Deliveroo’s existing delivery network.
Drones will be deployed from Manna’s local delivery hub, flying at speeds of up to 80 km/h with a flight time of as little as three minutes. Upon arrival, the drone hovers and gently lowers the food to the ground via a secure, biodegradable tether, ensuring a seamless and contact-free delivery experience.
Deliveroo is excited by the prospect of expanding the service to its other markets, subject to the benefits to consumer experience, following the launch in Ireland, alongside regulatory evolution in other markets. The company welcomes the UK Government’s £20 million investment to advance commercial drone operations and bring this technology closer to reality for UK consumers.
Carlo Mocci, chief business officer at Deliveroo said: “Our mission is to bring local neighbourhood favourites to as many people’s doors as possible, and constantly raise the bar on the experience and service we provide – so I’m thrilled to launch drone deliveries in Dublin today.
“We’re excited to explore how drones can help us reach new customers, complementing our existing rider model and if successful, the prospect of expanding drone deliveries across Ireland and into other markets.”
Bobby Healy, CEO and founder of Manna Air Delivery said: “Air delivery is fast, clean, and safe, offering a new avenue for local businesses to reach more consumers. Manna Air Delivery is proud to partner with Deliveroo, a platform trusted by top local restaurants and eateries, to bring this innovative delivery experience to customers.”
Bill Lang, owner of Musashi said: “We have been serving up authentic sushi for years but never thought we’d see it in the sky, delivered to peoples’ doorsteps by drone. Musashi is delighted to extend our partnership with Deliveroo to drone deliveries, helping us to reach even more customers in the Blanchardstown area.”
Manna, which has already completed over 170,000 delivery flights in the Dublin 15 and holds full regulatory approvals, will operate the drones. Each drone is equipped with advanced safety features, including backup systems and a parachute, and is continuously monitored by a dedicated dispatcher throughout its flight.
Eligible customers within the correct radius will need to validate their address via the app before it confirms a suitable pin location for a safe drop off, typically a driveway, front or back garden. Once an order is placed, they will be able to track the delivery as usual and will be notified when the drone is nearby so they can receive the order.
