DoorDash Wins FAA Part 135 Certification for In-House Drone Delivery, Launches DoorDash Air
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 5
DoorDash Wins FAA Part 135 Certification for In-House Drone Delivery, Launches DoorDash Air
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 5
Summary
DoorDash said it secured FAA Part 135 air carrier certification on July 29 and unveiled DoorDash Air, giving it federal authority to run a commercial drone delivery service in the U.S.
The certification clears a major regulatory hurdle for paid package flights, but DoorDash still needs airspace approvals and possibly beyond-visual-line-of-sight waivers before launching in specific markets.
DoorDash is targeting slower mid-range trips: more than 20% of its 2025 orders traveled 3 to 5 miles and took nearly 25% longer than shorter deliveries, the company said.
Company pilot data showed drone deliveries averaged about 25 minutes and lifted order volume roughly 30% over the following nine weeks, supporting plans to use U.S.-built aircraft alongside human Dashers.
Early service is likely to stay limited to selected areas because DoorDash has not named launch markets or timing, while local zoning, weather and noise concerns could constrain expansion.