More Canberrans turning to drone delivery during COVID-19 lockdown

The demand for drone delivery is rising rapidly during the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown as Canberrans look to the skies for their essential items (and a few treats).

From hot coffee to cold ice-cream, and everyday staples in between, Wing Canberra’s drones can deliver.

Since the lockdown began, the company has increased its service from five to seven days a week.

In the past week, the company has had a significant jump to more than 1500 deliveries to homes in Crace, Franklin, Harrison and Palmerston, and essential businesses in Mitchell.

Wing Australia spokesperson Jesse Suskin says contact-free drone delivery is perfectly suited to the current lockdown situation.

“It’s been very, very busy,” he says. “We’ve been able to step up to [cater to] increased demand as even more people have found themselves at home than during previous lockdowns.

“Significantly more of our customers are actually in isolation during this period.”

There’s a range of goods that isolated Canberrans are after, including bread, butter, breakfast items, office stationery and colouring books.

“It makes sense that during times such as this you probably wouldn’t run out just to get a litre of milk or a loaf of bread,” says Jesse.

So far, Wing is keeping up with the extra demand.

One item in particular is proving a particular favourite for students doing home schooling.

“We deliver gelato from Pure Gelato in Mitchell,” says Jesse.

“They shut their retail location, but they’re still able to offer their product to customers by way of drone delivery.

“In particular, if you have kids looking for a break in between home schooling, it can be a fun treat for sure.”

It’s not just people stuck at home who are seeing the benefits.

Wing’s Canberra suppliers are expanding their drone delivery options, too.

“A lot of local businesses have stepped up to increase their supply and offerings, just knowing people aren’t able to leave their homes,” says Jesse.

Wing has learnt from previous lockdowns and adapted to demand.

Last year, the company delivered chocolate eggs to areas in lockdown during Easter.

It’s hoped the recent growth of drone deliveries will help Wing expand its services in Australia.

“It certainly puts drone delivery in a more unique or different light,” says Jesse.

“We know people always found it convenient, but it really does show the value of small, convenient-sized deliveries with no human contact.”

Jesse says the company is talking with regulators, the ACT Government and the community to offer drone delivery to more Canberra suburbs in the future.