Underutilised retail real estate will be transformed into on-demand drone delivery fulfilment hubs thanks to a partnership between Wing, Australia’s first on-demand drone delivery service, and property group Mirvac.
Over the next few years, Wing and Mirvac will work together to identify Mirvac-operated retail properties in urban areas where drone delivery can create added value for customers, and run pilot drone delivery programs in these locations.
The first pilot, due to launch in 2023, will take place from the rooftop car park of Orion Springfield Central, located in the City of Ipswich, Queensland.
Growing interest
Global growth and interest in drone delivery services has never been greater. In 2021, Wing made more than 100,000 deliveries to customers in Australia, and demand continues to grow. In the first three quarters of 2022, Wing has already exceeded 120,000 deliveries in Australia.
“Over the last few years, consumer demand for drone delivery has grown rapidly, as people expect faster, convenient, and more sustainable delivery options,” says Wing Australia General Manager Simon Rossi.
“On-demand drone delivery can help address the costly last-mile delivery challenge by reducing road congestion and emissions, while creating new economic opportunities for retailers and communities, and providing consumers with more contactless delivery options.”
While Wing has traditionally provided delivery services directly to residential and business customers, it will be increasingly working with real estate and logistics partners to expand their delivery options.
“We’re delighted to be teaming up with Mirvac on our shared vision for the future of urban communities, bringing drone delivery to more Australians, by leveraging underutilised retail spaces, and transforming them into delivery logistics hubs,” Mr Rossi says.
Supporting in-store and online
Mirvac says the strategic partnership with Wing further enhances the property group’s focus to support its retail partners by driving their in-store and online businesses.
“As a business, we are heavily invested in collaborating with the right people and brands to support the overall growth and success of our retail partners,” says Mirvac Retail General Manager Kelly Miller.
“We’re thrilled to be trialling Wing drone deliveries at Orion Springfield Central, bringing this technology to the community, providing another connection point between customer and retailer, and ultimately delivering a more convenient shopping experience.”