Google’s Wing Aviation subsidiary received permission from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to operate drone flights for commercial purposes in part of Virginia, which they plan to do later this year. This is the first time a company has achieved federal air carrier certification for such deliveries.
The company met safety requirements by participating in a pilot program in Virginia with Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership and Virginia Tech. It has also made thousands of flights in Australia in recent years.
Elaine Chao, Secretary of Transportation, said in a statement: “This is an important step for the evaluation and safe integration of drones into our economy. Undoubtedly, a drone delivery will be less risky for passers-by than by car.
The company says the approval means they can start with a commercial service for the delivery of items from a local business to homes located in the United States. However, Wing did not specify which companies could use it for commercial deliveries.
The firm plans to demonstrate its technology in the coming months and answer questions from individuals and businesses in Blacksburg and Christiansburg, Virginia. They “will ask for feedback with the goal of testing later this year.
L.Sáenz
Source: El Nuevo Herald
