Food delivery through the air has always been a science-fiction thing but with science and technology being so fast-paced, we all know that it is no longer about “ifs” but of “when” this becomes the new norm.
Foodpanda conducted first-ever food delivery by a drone, named Pandafly. The test flight of the drone took place in F9 Park on 12th November 2021. Foodpanda, in association with the office of Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, carefully tested out the trial. Dignitaries, representatives of the media, celebrities along some social media influencers attended the event.
The operation started with a food rider loading a 2.5kg food package onto the drone from one side of the park which was then delivered to the other side of the park, where another rider was waiting to collect it. Sweet Homes Orphanage children were also invited to the event and the food was distributed among them.
The drone will not be delivering food directly to customers. The last mile of delivery by drone will be completed by a rider. The drone is said to fly in a straight line thus avoiding all the traffic. The maximum weight that can be carried by the drone is up to 5kg. The flight capacity of the drone is 60 minutes and flies at a speed of 60km per hour.
The successful pandafly delivery means a future with faster deliveries over longer distances. This service will be especially beneficial for people living in areas with no access to delivery options from their local food outlets.
Deputy Commissioner, Hamza Shafqaat, Islamabad expressed his views that e-commerce is the way to serve citizens and that technology will welcome a new bright future. He also assured that the drone will not be used for any negative purposes.
The CEO of Foodpanda, Nauman Sikandar Mirza, stated that before officially launching the service, some matters need to be evaluated that included technical, operational and legal matters.
“The successful test flight and delivery today (Friday) has been highly encouraging and proves we are on the right flight path.” says the CEO of Foodpanda.
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