The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted approval to Alphabet unit Wing Aviation to deliver goods to customers using drones, making them the first company to get US air certification.
As part of the federal approval, Wing Aviation will include flights beyond visual line of sight and over people; while also allowing the company to start delivering goods from local businesses to homes in Blacksburg, Virginia.
US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said: “This is an important step forward for the safe testing and integration of drones into our economy. Safety continues to be our number one priority as this technology continues to develop and realise its full potential.”
The regulator awarded the certification following safety requirements being met by Wing Aviation, with the company saying “Safety continues to be our number one priority as this technology continues to develop and realise its full potential.”
The firm is also set to start its first trial in Europe, delivering to homes in Helsinki, Finland.