Zipline, Novant Health launch the first long-distance emergency drone operation in U.S. to deliver PPE and medical supplies

CNBC May 27, 2020
Riley de León

Key Points

– On Wednesday Novant Health, launched America’s first emergency drone operation in North Carolina in partnership with Zipline — a drone delivery company best known for its work in African countries like Ghana and Rwanda.

– The FAA granted an emergency waiver so the operation can distribute critical personal protective equipment and medical supplies to frontline medical teams in the Charlotte, North Carolina metro area.

– Flights to initial facilities will range in distance from 20 to 30 miles round-trip. Prior to the launch of this operation, typical drone logistics flights in the U.S. ranged between 500 feet to a mile-and-a-half in distance. ​

True to its roots, North Carolina is once again “First in Flight.” On...

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