Deliveroo Takes Fast Food Sky-High with Three-Minute Drone Deliveries

Deliveroo Launches Drone Delivery Service in Dublin, Eyes UK Expansion
[Image 1: Deliveroo drone hovering over a house, lowering food via tether. Caption: Deliveroo’s drones lower meals to customers’ homes in under three minutes.]

Deliveroo has launched its first drone delivery service in Blanchardstown, Dublin, aiming to revolutionize takeaway deliveries. Drones, traveling up to 50 mph (80 kph), can reach customers in as little as three minutes, dropping meals via a tether to open areas like gardens or driveways. The trial covers a 1.8-mile radius, serving 150,000 residents, and will test viability for suburban and remote areas.

How It Works
Customers within the zone must validate their address on the app to ensure a safe drop-off location. Orders are tracked in real-time, with notifications sent upon arrival. Deliveroo confirms no extra fees for drone deliveries, and Plus members retain free delivery perks.

Powered by Manna
The service partners with Irish startup Manna, which has completed 170,000 test flights and works with rivals Just Eat and DoorDash. Each 23kg drone carries up to 4kg of cargo (e.g., four pizzas) and features eight propellers, parachutes, and backup systems to fly safely on just four motors if needed. Launched from a hub, drones fly autonomously but are monitored by dispatchers who ensure safe landings via onboard cameras.

[Image 2: Manna drone in flight. Caption: Manna’s drones can carry 4kg of cargo and feature emergency parachutes.]

Expansion Plans
Deliveroo aims to add grocery and retail deliveries within six months and expand to the UK. However, UK regulations currently require drones to stay within operators’ sight, blocking autonomous services. Recent government pledges of £20 million for drone tech and regulatory reforms—potentially enabling flying taxis by 2028—hint at future changes.

Industry Momentum
Amazon plans drone deliveries in Darlington, UK, via Prime Air, pending Civil Aviation Authority rules. Chancellor Rachel Reeves also prioritized easing drone trial restrictions among 60 measures to boost the economy.

[Image 3: Map of Blanchardstown delivery zone. Caption: The pilot covers 150,000 people in a 1.8-mile radius.]

The Future of Delivery
Drone delivery promises faster, greener service by avoiding traffic. As companies like Amazon and Starship Technologies test drones and robots, Deliveroo’s trial signals a shift toward aerial solutions for the "last mile" challenge. While hurdles remain, particularly in regulations, the skies may soon buzz with deliveries worldwide.

[Image 4: Amazon Prime Air drone. Caption: Amazon’s UK trials await regulatory approval for beyond-line-of-sight flights.]

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