Wing, the drone wing of mega conglomerate Alphabet (they own Google so… yeah) must be praying that there are no ravens in Queensland, Australia.

At least we think the company is relying on prayer, because we have not seen evidence that they consulted the birds on the development that they will be launching a drone delivery service in the area.

Working in collaboration with online food delivery company DoorDash, and property company Mirvac, Wing has announced that it has commenced a commercial drone delivery service food in the City of Ipswich, Queensland. 

“The new service at Mirvac’s Orion Springfield Central shopping centre makes it possible for local restaurants and retailers using DoorDash’s platform and Wing’s delivery drones to provide food and essentials to the surrounding communities via `DoorDash Air`,” the company said in a statement.

“This includes parts of Redbank Plains, Springfield Central, Springfield Lakes, Spring Mountain, Brookwater, Augustine Heights, Camira, Bellbird Park, White Rock, Springfield, Greenbank and Goodna.”

The company’s drones will have a base on the roof of Mirvac Orion Springfield Central, from where they will wait for orders to collect package from the loading area.

Once loaded, the drone will rise to a safe cruising height on their way directly to the customer’s home, where, upon arrival, it will to lower the package via a tether before returning to the shopping centre to recharge.

Like we indicated earlier, we do hope they consulted the birds this time; because the last time Wing launched a drone delivery service without notifying all concerned stakeholders, it did not go very well.

“We believe that drone delivery creates an affordable, easy-to-use way to address the costly last-mile delivery challenge for lightweight goods. These new services can also help reduce road congestion and emissions while creating new economic opportunities for retailers, food providers and communities.

“Analysis from Accenture, published in the 2023 report, “Flying into the future”, commissioned by Wing, shows drone delivery has the potential to reduce emissions and make Australian roads safer. By reducing the number of motor vehicle journeys taken in fulfilling last-mile deliveries around Australia, Accenture estimates that drones can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 238,000 tonnes by 2033, equivalent to the carbon storage of over 7 million trees.

“Accenture also estimates that drones can also reduce traffic on roads which will result in 320 fewer serious accidents each year, and reduce congestion by 2.0 billion vehicle kilometres, of which 1.2 billion will be from arterial roads.”

In working with DoorDash and Mirvac in Orion Springfield, Wing reckons this is a milestone achievement for the gains drone technology is making on the last mile delivery space, which also underlines its partners’ commitment to supporting retailer growth and consumer experience, as well as a faster and more efficient option for smaller orders.

“The launch also signifies Wing’s partnership with the Ipswich City Council to bring the project to life and embodies the Council’s focus on strengthening the local economy and building prosperity through a safer, healthier, innovative and more connected region.

“While Wing has traditionally provided delivery services directly to residential and business customers, the company is now accelerating its partnerships with real estate and logistics businesses to expand delivery options, to make fast drone delivery affordable and sustainable.

“We plan to continue identifying retail properties and high-demand regions in urban and suburban areas that could benefit from new delivery options.” 

In Queensland, Wing will not be breaking new ground for drone deliveries; medical drone logistics company Swoop Aero has been making rounds in the province since it obtained a licence to transport critical medical supplies in December 2021.