Latest news with #droneDelivery
Bloomberg
4 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
US to Ease Long-Range Drone Rules in Boon for Walmart, Alphabet
The Trump administration proposed a rule to allow more commercial drones to fly beyond an operator's visual line of sight, a potential boon for companies such as those seeking to deliver packages by unmanned aircraft such as Alphabet Inc. 's Wing unit and Walmart Inc. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Tuesday unveiled the proposal, which would end years of case-by-case federal approvals for long-range drone flights that companies say have stifled industry growth. The change is expected to streamline operations for drone delivery firms and expand the use of unmanned aircraft in other sectors such as farming and manufacturing.
Irish Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Drone delivery company Manna expects approval for quieter aircraft within months
Drone delivery company Manna expects to have regulatory approval for new technology that would cut noise pollution from its aircraft by 40 per cent within months. The company has drawn criticism from members of the Oireachtas and the public alike due to noise complaints after it set up a facility near Blanchardstown Centre last year, where its base is surrounded by popular fast-food chains and cafes. Flying at 60km/h at a height between 50m and 65m, the drones can deliver food or coffee to local areas within three minutes, the company has said. Manna chief executive Bobby Healy appeared before the Oireachtas transport committee on Wednesday and told TDs and Senators the company has developed and tested new technology that reduces noise levels by 40 per cent. READ MORE The technology involves new propellers and a reduction in the mass and weight of the aircraft. He said Manna has been in talks with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) about its plans 'for several months', and that it is currently awaiting approval for deployment. Mr Healy said Manna has been testing the new technology at its facility in Moorock, Co Offaly. 'We continue to invest in technology to go even further — and we foresee a future where people will barely hear us at all,' he said. While Mr Healy admitted the drones currently make a 'noticeable' sound, he claimed it was 'generally unobtrusive'. The drones currently fly at a maximum of 65 metres above ground, and the reduced mass would allow them to fly at 80 metres, while a lighter aircraft also has 'a big impact' on decibel levels, Mr Healy said. 'Leading experts in acoustics science from Trinity College assessed our aircraft and found that while cruising at 80m, they emit just 57 decibels – quieter than a conversation – and only for around 10 seconds as they pass overhead,' Mr Healy said. He said the 'noisiest part' of the delivery is when the drone arrives overheard and descends to 15m. 'It's pretty loud, I will admit,' he said. 'It's about 59 decibels. We will bring that down to about 55 with our new propellers and our mass reduction.' Mr Healy said that while approval and its timing was a matter for the IAA, he expects it to happen within months. 'I can't say when we can expect the permission, but it's quite a tight regulatory process,' he said. 'We have submitted all the documents. I do feel it [will be] soon. It could be weeks, it could be months, but certainly not further.' IAA chief operating officer Jim Gavin, also appearing before the committee, described the regulatory process as 'quite complex', but added that he would expect to see 'movement on it in the short-term'. Manna raised $30 million (€25.6 million) in funding earlier this year as part of plans to expand its business in Ireland and further afield. It has also lodged plans with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for an aerial food delivery hub in Dundrum.
Irish Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Fianna Fail TD joins opposition to Dundrum drone hub plan
Dublin Rathdown TD, Fianna Fáil's Shay Brennan, has joined the chorus of disapproval over plans by drone delivery service, Manna Air Delivery to establish a new aerial food delivery hub for Dundrum south Dublin. Last month, Manna Drones Ltd lodged the plans with Dun LaoghaDún LaoghaireCounty Council for the aerial delivery hub on lands at an existing car park site to the rear of Main Street and the rear of Holy Cross Church in Dundrum. To date, 57 submissions have been lodged with the council with the vast bulk opposed to the proposal. In his submission deputy Brennan told the council 'there is a strong sense locally that the interests of a small group of commercial operators could be prioritised over the interests of thousands of residents in this densely populated area'. READ MORE The prospect of drones flying overhead 'has created anxiety particularly among young families with children, older people and those working from home,' he said. Deputy Brennan stated that 'residents are concerned that the cumulative impact of frequent drone activity will erode the character and amenity of the Dundrum area.' The concerns over the new aerial hub extend beyond the local area as the Griffith Avenue Residents Association (GARA) which represents over 1,000 homes on Dublin's Northside has lodged an objection. Chairwoman, Una Caulfield told council that 'commercial drones delivering lattes and food have yet to be shown to be anything but a noise nuisance in the areas that they are already up and running'. Ms Caulfield states that in the absence of legislation, 'planning policy must not permit the unchecked growth of a novel, intrusive and commercially driven industry that has the potential to significantly harm public well being'. Head of regulation at Manna Air Delivery, Kevin Houston said on Monday: 'We welcome deputy Brennan's call for public consultation and to be clear, it's something we already do in every area before starting operations. 'In Dublin 15, for example, we held multiple meetings and have operated there for 18 months. We will do the same in Dundrum, though operations are not imminent given the rigorous regulatory process: we are regulated nationally by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and at European level by EASA. He said: 'Local communities and local representatives have clear information through our dedicated community page, including Trinity College data showing our noise levels are lower than local traffic, and details of the strict privacy standards we follow as a responsible operator and global industry leader.'
CNN
01-07-2025
- Health
- CNN
Blood-carrying drones are in the skies over London. Here's why
From a journey of 30-plus-minutes down to just two minutes, a pilot program by health care logistics company Apian, in partnership with England's NHS and drone delivery company Wing, is pioneering a new way of delivering time-sensitive blood samples from London hospitals to labs. CNN's Anna Stewart reports.
CNN
01-07-2025
- Health
- CNN
Blood-carrying drones are in the skies over London. Here's why
From a journey of 30-plus-minutes down to just two minutes, a pilot program by health care logistics company Apian, in partnership with England's NHS and drone delivery company Wing, is pioneering a new way of delivering time-sensitive blood samples from London hospitals to labs. CNN's Anna Stewart reports.
