Australia’s first on-demand drone delivery service, Wing, has partnered with DoorDash, and property group Mirvac to launch the first drone delivery service in Ipswich, Queensland.
The launch follows last month’s announcement of Wing’s new operating model.
Wing has set up a drone delivery hub at Mirvac’s Orion Springfield Central shopping centre for local restaurants and retailers. The DoorDashAir service represents the first collaboration between the three companies and Wing’s partnership with the Ipswich City Council.
Simon Rossi, general manager of Wing Australia, said “Businesses need to be able to offer a range of delivery options, with the most appropriate option selected depending on the weight and size of the package. On-demand drone delivery helps address the costly last-mile delivery challenge for lightweight goods. It reduces road congestion and emissions while creating new economic opportunities for retailers and communities.”
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the town is the state’s fastest-growing city and has a population forecast to grow to 453,875 by 2041.
The council worked closely with Wing, analysing possible launch sites, and taking into account feasibility of local business and customers.
For Mirvac Retail, the initiative is a way to boost customer experience.
Mirvac Retail general manager, Kelly Miller, said, “We are always looking at new ways to reimagine our retail spaces to create greater value for our partners and our communities.
“Working with Wing, we are transforming a section of the Orion Springfield Central carpark to bring new technology to the region, providing another point of connection between customer and retailer, and ultimately deliver a better shopping experience,” she said.
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.
The drone business is looking to expand delivery options through retail properties and high-demand regions in urban areas.
