UK's first food drone delivery could begin next year
What's the story
An Irish start-up, Manna Aero, is gearing up to launch the UK's first food drone delivery pilot scheme in 2026. The company's CEO, Bobby Healy, said that the UK "would be our most important market in Europe" due to its size. Manna Aero has already completed over 200,000 food delivery flights across west Dublin, Espoo (Finland), and Texas.
Drone details
Drone delivery in Dublin
Manna Aero's delivery fleet consists of specially designed 23kg quadcopters. These drones can fly at a cruising altitude of 80m, carrying everything from burgers and chips to fresh meat and eggs. The company has already completed up to 50,000 deliveries in the D15 postcode of west Dublin since its trial began a year and a half ago.
Delivery method
How it works
The drone delivery process requires customers to keep a landing zone, usually their back garden, free of obstacles. A human operator checks this with a downward-facing camera before the food is released. The packages are then dropped on a biodegradable string, which is cut off after delivery. Despite the convenience, some Dublin residents have expressed concerns over the noise made by these drones.
Expansion hurdles
Regulatory approvals and noise concerns
Manna Aero is in talks with the UK's Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services to get regulatory approval for its drone delivery service. If successful, the company plans to launch its service in 2026. However, the noise from these drones has raised concerns among some residents of Dublin's suburbs, who have compared it to helicopter sounds.
Noise debate
Response to complaints
In response to the noise complaints, Healy argued that their drones are less noisy than the general urban background noise. He also pointed out that they are continuously investing in new technology to reduce noise levels. Despite the challenges, Manna Aero is hopeful about expanding its service into the UK market by 2026 if negotiations with British regulators go well.