Zipline (drone delivery company)
{{short description|Company that delivers medical supplies by drone}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2019}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Zipline International Inc.
| logo = Zipline logo 2023 01.svg
| logo_size =
| logo_alt = Zipline logo
| logo_caption =
| logo_padding =
| image = Zipline Drone Launch.jpg
| image_size =
| image_alt = Zipline drone taking off from Zipline distribution center
| image_caption =
| type = Private
| traded_as =
| industry = Logistics
| genre = Delivery drone
| founded = {{Start date and age|March 2014}} in Half Moon Bay, California, U.S.
| founders = {{ubl|Keller Rinaudo Cliffton|Keenan Wyrobek|Ryan Oksenhorn|William Hetzler}}
| key_people = Keller Rinaudo Cliffton (CEO)
| hq_location = South San Francisco, California
| hq_location_city =
| hq_location_country = U.S.
| num_locations =
| num_locations_year =
| area_served = Rwanda, Ghana, Japan, United States, Kenya, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria
| products =
| brands =
| services =
| revenue =
| revenue_year =
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| num_employees = 500-1000
| website = {{URL|flyzipline.com}}
}}
Zipline International Inc. is an American company that designs, manufactures, and operates delivery drones. The company operates distribution centers in the United States, Rwanda, Ghana,{{Cite journal |last1=Kremer |first1=Pedro |last2=Haruna |first2=Florence |last3=Tuffour Sarpong |first3=Rejoice |last4=Agamah |first4=Dennis |last5=Billy |first5=Joshua |last6=Osei-Kwakye |first6=Kingsley |last7=Aidoo |first7=Princess |last8=Dodoo |first8=Deborah |last9=Okoh-Owusu |first9=Marion |date=2023-08-14 |title=An impact assessment of the use of aerial logistics to improve access to vaccines in the Western-North Region of Ghana |journal=Vaccine |volume=41 |issue=36 |pages=5245–5252 |doi=10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.06.036 |issn=0264-410X|doi-access=free |pmid=37344263 }} Japan,{{R|tsusho}}{{cite news |last1=Kageyama |first1=Yuri |title=US drone company Zipline starts delivering medicine in Japan |url=https://apnews.com/article/covid-technology-business-health-japan-30f036ff170bf8befffecda96e3bb321 |access-date=1 September 2023 |publisher=AP News |date=April 21, 2022}} Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire,{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2021 |title=Zipline expands medical drone deliveries to the Ivory Coast |url=https://dronedj.com/2021/12/02/zipline-expands-medical-drone-deliveries-to-the-ivory-coast/ |access-date=December 7, 2021 |website=DroneDJ |language=en-US}} and Kenya.{{Cite web|date=February 18, 2022|title=Zipline expands drone deliveries of medical supplies to Kenya|url=https://dronedj.com/2022/02/18/zipline-expands-drone-deliveries-of-medical-supplies-to-kenya/|access-date=February 24, 2022|website=DroneDJ|language=en-US|first=Bruce|last=Crumley}} As of April 2024, its drones have made more than one million commercial deliveries and flown more than 70 million autonomous miles.{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Kate |date=2024-04-19 |title=Drone startup Zipline hits 1 million deliveries, looks to restaurants as it continues to grow |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/19/autonomous-drone-startup-zipline-hits-1-million-deliveries.html |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=CNBC |language=en}}
The company designs and manufactures its drones,{{R|in house}} and builds and operates its distribution centers, which also serve as a drone airport.{{R|WiredHow}} The company's drones deliver whole blood, platelets, frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate along with medical products, including vaccines, infusions, and common medical commodities. As of September 2021, more than 75 percent of blood deliveries in Rwanda outside of Kigali use Zipline drones. In April 2019 in Ghana, the company began using drones to deliver vaccines, blood, and medicines. In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted a Part 107 aviation waiver to Zipline's partner organization Novant Health for the delivery of medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) to medical facilities in North Carolina.
The company also offers delivery services for non-medical products, including partnerships with Walmart which started in 2021, and with Sweetgreen which was announced in 2023. Its website features uses for restaurants, groceries, convenience shopping, and e-commerce.
History
{{Advert section|date=July 2024}}
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| video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOWDNBu9DkU Zipline] – A documentary that highlights both of the drone platforms, the Rwandan operations for medical deliveries, and a brief behind-the-scenes look at the headquarters of the company presented by engineer and educator Mark Rober. (Full episode)}}
- 2011, Keller Rinaudo Cliffton founded Romotive, which produced an iPhone-controlled robotic toy called Romo.{{Cite web|last=Shontell|first=Alyson|title=Meet Romotive: An Ambitious Startup That Blew Our Minds|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/woah-romotive-is-the-coolest-startup-weve-seen-it-brings-ordinary-objects-to-life-2012-3|access-date=February 8, 2021|website=Business Insider}} Co-founders Ryan Oksenhorn and William Hetzler joined during this era.
- January 2014, the team decided to shut down Romotive{{R|ShutDown}} to explore a more impactful mission. Keenan Wyrobek{{Reasonator|Q46021170}} joined at this time to help find the new direction.{{R|mit}}
- March 2014 - the company pivoted and began to develop a medical drone delivery service.
- 2016 - Zipline signed a deal with the Rwandan government to build a distribution center near Muhanga, and began commercial operations that same year.{{R|mit}}
- 2018, the Rwandan government signed a new deal to build a second distribution center near Kayonza and expand Zipline's service to include smaller health centers in addition to hospitals and deliver vaccines and other medical products as well as blood products.{{Cite web |date=April 30, 2019 |title=In the Air With Zipline's Medical Delivery Drones |url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/in-the-air-with-ziplines-medical-delivery-drones |access-date=May 21, 2022 |website=IEEE Spectrum |language=en}}
- April 2018 - Zipline announced a second-generation drone,{{R| mit2}} which was listed in Time's "Best inventions of 2018" list.{{R|best}}
- April 2019 - Zipline opened its first four planned distribution centers in Ghana to supply 2,500 health facilities.{{R|CNBC Ghana}} The fourth Ghanaian distribution center became operational in June 2020.{{Cite web|date=June 11, 2020|title=Zipline begins drone delivery services in Western North Region|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Zipline-begins-drone-delivery-services-in-Western-North-Region-977467|access-date=February 8, 2021|website=www.ghanaweb.com|language=en}}
- May 2019 - Zipline raised $190 million on a post-money valuation of $1.2 billion.{{R|billion}} In September 2019, musician Bono joined the board.{{R|bono}} According to Rinaudo: "Rural healthcare is a challenge in every country in the world, including in the United States ... You now see much bigger and wealthier countries like the US using Rwanda as a role model."{{R|wiredus}}
- Zipline was named to CNBC's 2018 (25th place), 2019 (39th place), 2020 (7th place),{{Cite web|author=|date=June 16, 2020|title=7. Zipline|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/16/zipline-disruptor-50.html|access-date=October 18, 2020|website=CNBC|language=en}} 2022 (29th place),{{Cite web |author= |date=May 17, 2022 |title=29. Zipline |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/17/zipline-disruptor-50.html |access-date=May 21, 2022 |website=CNBC |language=en}} and 2023 (25th){{Cite web |last=staff |first=CNBC com |title=These are the 2023 CNBC Disruptor 50 companies |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/09/these-are-the-2023-cnbc-disruptor-50-companies.html |access-date=2023-05-11 |website=CNBC |date=May 9, 2023 |language=en}} Disruptor 50 lists.
- November 2020 - Along with nine other drone delivery companies, the FAA selected Zipline to participate in a type certification program for delivery drones.{{Cite web|title=FAA proposes airworthiness criteria for 10 unmanned aircraft, including operational intent|url=https://evtol.com/news/faa-unmanned-aircraft-airworthiness-criteria/|access-date=November 27, 2020|website=evtol.com|language=en-US}} Zipline then started undergoing airworthiness certification with the FAA that would allow their "Sparrow" model of drone to fly in the U.S.{{Cite web|title=FAA Moving Forward to Enable Safe Integration of Drones|url=https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=96138|access-date=December 10, 2020|website=www.faa.gov|language=en-us}}{{Cite web|date=November 20, 2020|title=Airworthiness Criteria: Special Class Airworthiness Criteria for the Zipline International Inc. Zip UAS Sparrow|url=https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/20/2020-25666/airworthiness-criteria-special-class-airworthiness-criteria-for-the-zipline-international-inc-zip|access-date=December 10, 2020|website=Federal Register}}
- February 2021 - Zipline announced it was adding ultra-low temperature freezers to their distribution centers to allow delivery of temperature-sensitive COVID-19 vaccines.{{Cite web|date=February 4, 2021|title=Zipline Drones to Deliver COVID-19 Vaccines|url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2021/02/04/zipline-drones-deliver-covid-19-vaccines-us/|access-date=February 4, 2021|website=Aviation Today|language=en}}
- May 2021 - Bloomberg reported Zipline would be delivering vaccines to Cross River State and Northern Kaduna State in Nigeria.{{Cite web|last=Onu|first=Emele|date=May 18, 2021|title=Nigerian States use drones for vaccination in difficult terrain|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-05-18/nigerian-states-hire-drones-for-vaccination-in-difficult-terrain|access-date=May 20, 2021|website=Bloomberg}} The following month, Zipline raised $250 million in new funding at a valuation of $2.75 billion.{{cite web |last1=Alamalhodaei |first1=Aria |title=Zipline raises $250M at $2.75B valuation to build out its instant logistics service |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/07/05/the-station-bird-has-dramas-in-san-francisco-drone-delivery-startup-zipline-raises-250m/ |website=Techcrunch |date=July 5, 2021 |access-date=July 5, 2021}}
- April 2022 - the company announced that a partner, Toyota Tsusho, opened a center to do deliveries using Zipline equipment in Japan.{{r|cnbc2022}}
- June 2022 - they announced a microphone-based collision avoidance system to detect and track nearby aircraft.{{Cite web |date=2022-06-13 |title=These drones can avoid midair collisions by listening for other aircraft |url=https://www.popsci.com/technology/zipline-drones-use-microphones-to-listen-for-planes/ |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=Popular Science |language=en-US}}
- December 2022 - Zipline and the Government of Rwanda announced an expanded partnership to serve the entire country, to make nearly 2 million deliveries and fly more than 200 million kilometers in Rwanda by 2029.{{Cite press release |last=Zipline |date=2022-12-15 |title=Zipline and the Government of Rwanda Announce a New Partnership to Serve the Entire Country with Instant Logistics |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/12/15/2574639/0/en/Zipline-and-the-Government-of-Rwanda-Announce-a-New-Partnership-to-Serve-the-Entire-Country-with-Instant-Logistics.html |access-date=2023-05-11 |website=GlobeNewswire News Room |language=en}}
- March 2023 - Zipline announced its second platform, called Platform 2 (P2), which is capable of delivering directly to homes in cities and suburbs. Sweetgreen, Michigan Medicine, and the Government of Rwanda were announced as initial customers. Shortly after the announcement, technology and science influencer Mark Rober posted a video on Zipline which led to significant interest in the company's novel “practically silent” propeller design and caused drone enthusiasts to try to replicate the design.{{Citation |title=How Do Zipline's Silent Propellers Work? | date=April 14, 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z58RORCUTao |access-date=2023-05-11 |language=en}}{{Citation |title=Zipline PROPS Look CRAZY! So We MADE Them {{!}} Free STL Download | date=April 20, 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3IMRYUSYvc |access-date=2023-05-11 |language=en}}{{Citation |title=Why is this Propeller Getting So Much Attention? | date=May 2, 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzYHO4tksTc |access-date=2023-05-11 |language=en}}
- May 8, 2023 - during an interview, Rinaudo-Cliffton revealed that they had so far flown 40 million miles autonomously.{{Cite web |title=Interview with Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, CEO and Co-founder of Zipline |url=https://www.goldmansachs.com/intelligence/talks-at-gs/keller-rinaudo-cliffton.html |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=Goldman Sachs |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Transcript of interview with Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, CEO and Co-founder of Zipline |url=https://www.goldmansachs.com/intelligence/talks-at-gs/keller-rinaudo-cliffton-f/transcript.pdf |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=Goldman Sachs |language=en-US}}
- September 23, 2023 - Clearance was given to them by the FAA to be able to fly in American airspace outside of "line of sight" and therefore allowing them to make deliveries there{{Cite web |date=September 18, 2023 |title=FAA Authorizes Zipline International, Inc. to Deliver Commercial Packages Using Drones That Fly Beyond Operator's Line of Sight |url=https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-authorizes-zipline-deliver-commercial-packages-beyond-line-sight |website=FAA}}
- November 7, 2023 - Zipline announced the delivery of their one millionth vaccine dose{{Cite web |title=Caitlin Burton on LinkedIn: #nigeria #vaccines #immunization #deliverwhatmatters {{!}} 14 comments |url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/caitlineburton_nigeria-vaccines-immunization-activity-7127293559086407680--S_M |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=www.linkedin.com |language=en}}
- December 2023 - Zipline announced a partnership that will have them delivering to thirty GP surgeries and nursing homes across Northumbria in the UK{{Cite web |date=2023-12-18 |title=Zipline & Apian's Drone Delivery for Northumbria Healthcare |url=https://www.pharmacy.biz/news/nhs-to-expand-medical-drone-delivery-network-with-zipline-and-apian/ |access-date=2024-02-15 |language=en-GB}}{{Citation |title=UK's NHS partners with Zipline for drone delivery of medical supplies {{!}} CNN Business |date=2024-01-02 |url=https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2024/01/02/exp-zipline-nhs-drone-delivery-intv-010203pseg2-cnni-business.cnn |access-date=2024-02-15 |language=en}}
- August 2024 - In a interview with Peter H Daimandis Rinudo revealed the system had completed over 80 million autonomous miles, 1.1 million commercial delivery's and reduced infant mortality in Rwanda by 51%{{Cite web |last=Diamandis |first=Peter H. |title=EP #117 The Company Competing With Amazon for Instant Delivery w/ Keller Rinaudo Cliffton |url=https://www.diamandis.com/podcast/keller-rinaudo-cliffton |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=www.diamandis.com |language=en}}
- March 2025 - Zipline announces that their drones have flown more than {{convert|100,000,000|mi|km}} and completed 1.4 million deliveries.{{cite news |last1=Daleo |first1=Jack |title=Zipline Drones Surpass Flying More Than 100 Million Miles |url=https://www.flyingmag.com/zipline-drones-surpass-flying-more-than-100-million-miles/ |access-date=25 March 2025 |work=FLYING Magazine |date=11 March 2025 |language=en}}
Platform 1
The Platform 1 fixed-wing drones weigh {{convert|44|lb|abbr=}} and can carry up to {{convert|4|lb}} of cargo. While they can fly {{convert|300|km|abbr=on}} on a charge, they limit themselves to destinations within {{convert|80|km|abbr=on}}. The drones have a quickly-replaceable battery that allows rapid turnaround between flights.{{R|WiredHow}} It has an inner carbon-fiber frame and an outer polystyrene shell.{{R|WiredHow}} The wingspan is {{convert|11|feet|m|abbr=}}.
The drones have two propellers for redundancy and can fly safely on a single propeller or motor. A parachute that will bring the drone to the ground can be deployed if a larger set of faults occur.{{Cite web|title=Zipline begins safety testing of new high-performance drones|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/business/business-news/zipline-begins-safety-testing-of-new-high-performance-drones.html |date=February 11, 2020 |first=Elizabeth |last=Adu |access-date=October 27, 2020|website=Graphic Online|language=en-gb}} If the drone crashes, the outer components are frangible, breaking to release energy{{Cite web|last=Wyrobek|first=Keenan|title=Zipline's World Class Drone Safety Features|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTnBm3rXmss|website=YouTube|date=February 28, 2019 }} and impact the ground with less force.{{Cite web|last=Muller|first=Joann|title=When it comes to unmanned drones, how safe is safe enough?|url=https://www.axios.com/unmanned-drones-uav-faa-safety-medical-supplies-10a308a1-3766-4aca-a044-a8127702d7c7.html|access-date=October 18, 2020|website=Axios|date=March 8, 2019 |language=en}}
Zipline's drones are capable of "level 4" autonomy: the ability to complete travel autonomously under normal environmental conditions without requiring pilot oversight.{{Cite web |title=Toyota Tsusho Launches Drone Delivery of Medical and Pharmaceutical Supplies Business in Nagasaki Prefecture's Goto Islands- Network Powered by Zipline, the World's Leading Instant Logistics System - |url=https://www.toyota-tsusho.com/english/press/detail/220421_005028.html |access-date=May 21, 2022 |date=April 21, 2022 |website=Toyota Tsusho |language=en}}
= Operation =
File:Zipline Operations Package.jpg
Medical staff at remote hospitals and clinics place orders with Zipline,{{R|quartz}} a fulfillment operator receives this order and prepares the medical products into a special delivery package with a parachute. A Zipline flight operator then packs the medical products into a drone and performs pre-flight checks.{{R|WiredHow}}
The drone is then launched with a supercapacitor-powered electric catapult launcher which accelerates it to {{convert|67|mph}} in 0.33 seconds.{{R|WiredHow}} The drone cruises at {{convert|101|km/h|abbr=on}} at an altitude of {{convert|80-120|m}} above ground level,{{R|Spectrum}} while a remote pilot at each distribution center monitors all drones in flight.{{R|Simmons}}{{R|WiredHow}} The drone descends to {{convert|20-35|m}} before dropping the package under a paper "Drogue" parachute. A payload can land within a {{convert|5|m|abbr=on}} diameter landing zone.{{R|mit}}
The drone then returns to the distribution center and lands by its tail hook catching an arresting gear, similar to airplanes landing on an aircraft carrier.{{R|drops}} {{R|Spectrum}} {{R|gps}} A Zipline distribution center can deliver medical supplies reliably anywhere within {{convert|100|km|abbr=on}}, even accounting for mountainous terrain and severe weather.
Platform 2
The Platform 2 VTOL drones, announced in March 2023, are suited for shorter range home deliveries. They take off and land vertically, are capable of fixed-wing flight at up to {{convert|70|mph|kph|disp=flip}},{{cite news |last1=Gonzales |first1=Ella |title=Walmart will soon offer drone delivery to Tarrant County. Here’s how it works |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/article298537093.html |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |date=15 January 2025}} and hover at an altitude of {{convert|100|m|ft}} to slowly lower packages on a wire.{{Cite web |last=Shakir |first=Umar |date=2023-03-15 |title=Zipline's new drones release tethered mini-drones for precision package deliveries |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/15/23639425/zipline-drone-delivery-autonomous-tether-droid |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}{{cite news |last1=Shankland |first1=Stephen |title=Zipline's New Drone Brings Aerial Delivery Closer for Millions More of Us |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/new-zipline-drone-brings-aerial-delivery-closer-for-millions-more-of-us/ |access-date=31 March 2025 |work=CNET |date=15 March 2005 |language=en}} Packages are lowered in a delivery "droid" that uses sensors and propellers to deliver the package within a {{convert|1|m|ft}} diameter.{{cite web |last1=Ackerman |first1=Evan |title=Zipline Platform 2 Droid Drone Delivery |url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/delivery-drone-zipline-design |website=IEEE Spectrum |publisher=Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers |access-date=31 March 2025 |language=en}} The drones can carry up to {{convert|8|lb}} of cargo within a {{cvt|10|mi}} radius, are capable of a more precise delivery than its previous generation, and can recharge autonomously.
Locations
[[File:Zipline Operations by Country.svg|thumb|Zipline Operations by Country
| {{legend|#008000|Active Zipline commercial delivery services}} |
| {{legend|#EEEE00|Pending Zipline commercial delivery services}} |
| {{legend|#0000FF|Current/former demonstration services}} |
= Active commercial service =
== Rwanda ==
Zipline operates two distribution centers in Rwanda. {{R|saving}}{{R|Spectrum}}
Zipline began deliveries at its first distribution center in Muhanga in late 2016.{{R|mit}} In 2018, the Rwandan government signed a new deal to build a second distribution center near Kayonza, in the eastern part of the country. This deal expanded Zipline's service to include smaller health centers and hospitals and deliver vaccines and other medical products and blood products. Zipline opened the Kayonza distribution center in December 2018.{{R|Kayonza}}{{R|CNBC Ghana}} The company hoped this would bring coverage to 80 percent of the country.{{R|modern ghana}}
Rwanda has mountainous geography and poor road conditions, making an aerial delivery system more efficient than the use of land vehicles.{{R|disrupter}} The cost of delivery via drone is comparable to that of delivery by road, especially in emergencies.{{R|hbr}} A 2022 study found that Zipline's service in Rwanda leads to faster delivery times relative to existing ground transportation and less blood component wastage in health facilities.{{Cite journal |last1=Nisingizwe |first1=Marie Paul |last2=Ndishimye |first2=Pacifique |last3=Swaibu |first3=Katare |last4=Nshimiyimana |first4=Ladislas |last5=Karame |first5=Prosper |last6=Dushimiyimana |first6=Valentine |last7=Musabyimana |first7=Jean Pierre |last8=Musanabaganwa |first8=Clarisse |last9=Nsanzimana |first9=Sabin |last10=Law |first10=Michael R. |date=April 1, 2022 |title=Effect of unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) delivery on blood product delivery time and wastage in Rwanda: a retrospective, cross-sectional study and time series analysis |journal=The Lancet Global Health |language=English |volume=10 |issue=4 |pages=e564–e569 |doi=10.1016/S2214-109X(22)00048-1 |issn=2214-109X |pmid=35303465|s2cid=247483468 |doi-access=free |hdl=1854/LU-01GQ0FHCZ7ZG2M1HAKC71EEVPR |hdl-access=free }} The study found that Zipline's drone delivery service in Rwanda shortened blood product delivery times by 61 percent, reduced blood unit expirations by 67 percent, and was frequently used in response to medical emergencies, with 43 percent of orders being emergency orders.
== Ghana ==
In 2018, Zipline signed a contract with the government of Ghana to make up to 600 deliveries a day for four years at the cost of about $12.5 million. {{R|Quartz Ghana}} In April 2019, Ghana's president Nana Akufo-Addo announced the opening of the first distribution center in Ghana. {{R|Ghana}} Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia launched the first Zipline drone to Tafo Hospital on April 24, 2019. This first delivery contained a resupply shipment of yellow fever vaccines to prevent stock-out.{{R|Quartz Ghana}}
In 2021, the government of Ghana expanded its contract with Zipline to add four additional distribution centers, bringing the total number of contracted distribution centers in the country to eight.{{Cite web |last=admin |date=April 30, 2021 |title=Zipline: Redefining the health supply chain with lifesaving drone service |url=https://iirr.org/zipline-life-saving-drone-service-redefining-the-health-supply-chain/ |access-date=May 21, 2022 |website=IIRR |language=en-US}} Zipline presently operates six distribution centers in Ghana, serving over 2,300 health facilities.{{Cite web |title=GHANA HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERS 1 MILLION COVID-19 VACCINE DOSES WITH ZIPLINE'S AUTOMATED, ON-DEMAND DELIVERY SYSTEM |url=https://flyzipline.com/press/zipline-delivers-1-million-covid-19-vaccines-in-ghana/ |access-date=May 21, 2022 |website=flyzipline.com}} When the network is complete, Zipline will be able to serve about 85 percent of the population directly and the remainder indirectly, reaching over 3,200 health facilities in every region of the country.
In March 2022, Zipline announced that the company had delivered over one million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine by drone in Ghana over the prior year.{{Cite web |date=March 30, 2022 |title=Zipline drones deliver one million COVID vaccinations in Ghana |url=https://dronedj.com/2022/03/30/zipline-drones-deliver-one-million-covid-vaccinations-in-ghana/ |access-date=May 21, 2022 |website=DroneDJ |language=en-US}} An independent study of Zipline's impact on the health system in Ghana found that Zipline's drone delivery service shortened vaccine stock-outs by 60 percent, decreased inventory-driven missed vaccination opportunities by 42 percent, decreased days facilities were without critical medical supplies by 21 percent, and increased the types of medicines and supplies stocked at health facilities by 10 percent.
== United States ==
As of 2018, Zipline was working with the FAA to develop rules for drone operation beyond the line of sight.{{R|wiredus}}{{R|USA}}
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the FAA granted a Part 107 waiver to Novant Health in partnership with Zipline for the delivery of medical supplies and personal protective equipment to facilities in North Carolina. The company plans to offer deliveries to homes.{{Cite news|date=May 27, 2020|title=Drones deliver medical supplies and PPE in the US|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-52819648|access-date=May 28, 2020}}
On November 18, 2021, Zipline started a trial service with Walmart for e-commerce shopping deliveries in Pea Ridge, Arkansas. The service, selectable to online shoppers using a special mobile app, could deliver to all residences within {{convert|50|mi|km}} of a particular Walmart store in Pea Ridge during daylight hours.{{cite news |last1=Mims |first1=Christopher |title=Amazon, Alphabet and Others Are Quietly Rolling Out Drone Delivery Across America |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-alphabet-and-others-are-quietly-rolling-out-drone-delivery-across-america-11648872022?st=swx7u54m2shv7da&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink |access-date=April 5, 2022 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=April 4, 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/video/walmart-starts-using-autonomous-drones-in-new-delivery-service/ |title=Walmart starts using autonomous drones in new delivery service |work=CBS News |date=November 18, 2021}}
On June 21, 2022, the license "Package Delivery by Drone (Part 135)"{{Cite web |date=29 June 2022 |title=Package Delivery by Drone (Part 135) {{!}} Federal Aviation Administration |website=Bloomberg News |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-21/zipline-drone-delivery-service-approved-as-air-carrier-by-faa}} was granted.{{Cite news |date=2022-06-21 |title=Zipline's Drone-Delivery Service Approved as Air Carrier by FAA |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-21/zipline-drone-delivery-service-approved-as-air-carrier-by-faa |access-date=2022-06-29}}
On October 4, 2022, Zipline began commercial delivery services in Salt Lake City, Utah, in partnership with Intermountain Healthcare.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-04 |title='The future is here': Intermountain launches drone delivery service in this Utah city, first of its kind in the West |url=https://www.deseret.com/2022/10/4/23385813/drone-delivery-intermountain-healthcare-zipline-utah-south-jordan |access-date=2022-12-02 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}
In early 2025, Zipline partnered with Walmart to offer deliveries in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex using Platform 2 drones.
== Japan ==
In April 2021, Zipline announced a partnership with an investor, Toyota Tsusho, to deliver medical products in Japan.{{R|name=tsusho}} While most Zipline facilities are staffed by locally hired operators employed by Zipline, the facilities in Japan are distinct in that they are operated by Sora-iina, a Toyota Tsusho Group company, and staffed by Toyota Tsusho employees. Zipline provides hardware and training in an OEM capacity. Construction of the first distribution center was completed in April 2022 on Fukue Island in the Gotō Islands. The drone delivery service will supply medical and pharmaceutical products to medical institutions and pharmacies in the Gotō Islands, which include 140 total islands (and five main localities). The use of drone delivery to assure routine distribution of medical products is expected to cut current sea and air transport options from several hours down to 30 minutes.{{Cite web |date=April 22, 2022 |title=Zipline launches drone delivery of medical supplies in Japan with Toyota Tsusho |url=https://dronedj.com/2022/04/22/zipline-launches-drone-delivery-of-medical-supplies-in-japan-with-toyota-tsusho/ |access-date=May 21, 2022 |website=DroneDJ |language=en-US}}
== Nigeria ==
In February 2021, Zipline announced a plan to construct three distribution centers in Kaduna State, Nigeria.{{Cite news |last=George |first=Libby |date=February 3, 2021 |title=Nigeria's Kaduna pairs with Zipline for drone-delivered COVID vaccines |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-nigeria-drones-idUSKBN2A31MM |access-date=February 4, 2021}} These distribution centers would have ultra-cold storage that is capable of safely storing COVID-19 vaccines, for which health facilities in the state could then place on-demand orders without needing ultra-cold storage of their own. The state also intends to use Zipline's service to transport other health products, including blood, medication, and routine vaccines. In May 2021, Zipline announced a similar agreement with Cross River State. In February 2022, Zipline announced another agreement with Bayelsa State.{{Cite web |title=Zipline - Instant Logistics |url=https://flyzipline.com/press/nigerias-bayelsa-state-and-zipline-announce-major-partnership/ |access-date=February 11, 2022 |website=flyzipline.com}}
The first hub opened in Kaduna state in an undisclosed location on June 4, 2022.{{Cite web |last=Onukwue |first=Alexander |title=Zipline is launching its drone delivery services under "difficult" conditions in Nigeria |url=https://qz.com/africa/2172781/zipline-begins-drone-delivery-services-in-kaduna-state-nigeria/ |access-date=2022-06-06 |website=Quartz |date=June 3, 2022 |language=en}}
== Côte d'Ivoire ==
In December 2021, the company announced an agreement to open four distribution centers in Côte d'Ivoire, it received its license to begin operations in January 2023.
== Kenya ==
In February 2022, the company announced an agreement to build a distribution center in Chemelil,{{Cite web |date=2024-01-16 |title=Medicine from the sky: Drones helping tackle rabies, snakebites |url=https://nation.africa/kenya/health/medicine-from-the-sky-drones-helping-tackle-rabies-snakebites-4493448 |access-date=2024-02-02 |website=Nation |language=en}} Kisumu County. and began in October that year, as well as medical supplies it delivers veterinary goods and animal DNA,{{Cite web |date=2022-10-18 |title=Zipline set to launch its full operations in Kenya to drive timely delivery of medical supplies using drone technology |url=https://healthbusiness.co.ke/6408/zipline-set-to-launch-its-full-operations-in-kenya-to-drive-timely-delivery-of-medical-supplies-using-drone-technology/ |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=Health Business |language=en-US}} it serves 1012 facilities within the surrounding Region.
= Pending service =
== Ukraine ==
In June 2022 it was announced by the Ukrainian Ministry of Health that talks were ongoing to partner with Zipline to build ten Zipline distribution hubs in Ukraine{{cite web |title=The Ministry of Health is considering the possibility of autonomous delivery of medicines using drones |url=https://moz.gov.ua/article/news/moz-rozgljadae-mozhlivist-avtonomnoi-dostavki-likarskih-zasobiv-za-dopomogoju-bezpilotnikiv |access-date=17 September 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Panasovskyi |first1=Maksim |title=Zipline drone drug delivery service may appear in Ukraine |url=https://gagadget.com/en/140027-zipline-drone-drug-delivery-service-may-appear-in-ukraine/ |access-date=17 September 2022 |website=gagadget.com}} in areas such as Tlumach.{{Cite web |title=Flight Operations, Ukraine at Zipline |url=https://wellfound.com/company/zipline-international-1/jobs/2391203-flight-operations-ukraine |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=Wellfound}}
== United Kingdom ==
In February 2024 Zipline posted adverts on LinkedIn for "Flight Operations Lead", "Head of Business Operations" and "Flight Operator / Maintenance Technician" in Newcastle upon Tyne.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-01 |title=1,000+ Zipline jobs in United States (47 new) |url=https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/zipline-jobs |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=www.linkedin.com |language=en}}
= Demonstration operations =
== Australia ==
Between July 30 and September 5, 2019, Zipline partnered with the US and Australian militaries, delivering over 400 mock blood supplies during mass casualty simulations.{{R|army}}
References
{{reflist|refs=
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{{cite news |work=TechCrunch |title=Zipline drones airdrop medical supplies to African villages |date=October 13, 2016 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AZF1TTDdEM|access-date=August 24, 2018}}
{{Cite news|url=https://www.technologyreview.com/s/610735/zipline-launches-the-worlds-fastest-commercial-delivery-drone/|title=Zipline launches the world's fastest commercial delivery drone|last=Giles|first=Martin|work=MIT Technology Review |date=April 3, 2018 |access-date=August 21, 2018|language=en}}
{{cite magazine|first=Aryn |last=Baker |url=https://time.com/rwanda-drones-zipline/|title=The American Drones Saving Lives in Rwanda|magazine=Time|access-date=October 12, 2018}}
{{cite web |url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/in-the-air-with-ziplines-medical-delivery-drones |title=In the Air with Zipline's Medical Delivery Drones |date=April 30, 2019 |work=IEEE Spectrum |first1=Evan |last1=Ackerman |first2=Michael |last2=Koziol |access-date=May 19, 2019}}
{{cite news|url=https://www.technologyreview.com/s/608034/blood-from-the-sky-ziplines-ambitious-medical-drone-delivery-in-africa/|title=Zipline's Ambitious Medical Drone Delivery in Africa |last=Rosen|first=Jonathan W.|work=MIT Technology Review |date=June 8, 2017 |access-date=August 24, 2018|language=en}}
{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/story/zipline-drone-delivery-reno-faa/|title=The World's Fastest Drones Want to Save Lives in the US, Too|magazine=Wired |access-date=August 24, 2018 |language=en-US}}
{{Cite magazine |first=Anthony |last=Lydgate |date=September 18, 2018 |url=https://www.wired.com/story/wired25-anne-wojcicki-keller-rinaudo-zipline-medical-drones/ |title=How Zipline Helps Remote Regions Get Blood From a Drone|magazine=Wired |access-date=October 19, 2018|language=en-US}}
}}
External links
{{Commons category|Zipline (drone delivery company)|Zipline}}
- {{official website|https://www.flyzipline.com}}
Category:Logistics companies of the United States
Category:American companies established in 2011
Category:Transport companies established in 2011
Category:2011 establishments in California
Category:Medical technology companies of the United States
Category:Unmanned aerial vehicles