Alphabet Inc. company, Wing, has become the first drone-delivery company to receive an air carrier certification from the Federal Aviation Administration. According to CNN, the certification makes allows the company to make commercial deliveries in the United States.
Wing plans to launch a delivery trial later this year, but it is unclear how many people would be served, how many drones will be involved, or what kind of goods will be delivered. While the company's drones can fly autonomously, it will have certified pilots on the ground who can take control as a precaution. CNN reports that the trial will take place in parts of Virginia that aren't densely populated, such as Blacksburg and Christiansburg.
The delivery service will be a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's drone pilot program, CNN reports. The program has designated areas to test drones and push further developments of the technology. Drones will be identified remotely so local law enforcement can determine if the bot has a reason to be flying. Regulations on drone flying are currently being developed as they will need to fly over people, at night and be connected to an unmanned air traffic management system.
