Walgreens completes first drone delivery via Wing in Virginia

Walgreens and Wing’s collaboration for on-demand drone delivery has officially taken off. The companies on Friday announced the completion of the first store-to-door delivery via drone in Christiansburg, Va., where Wing is carrying out its drone delivery trial. 

“Today is a great day for the future of consumer convenience. We are excited to be the first U.S. retailer to provide on-demand drone delivery to customers in the Christiansburg community,” said Vish Sankaran, chief innovation officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance. “This industry-first drone delivery pilot with Wing expands our omnichannel offerings to provide customers the products they need wherever, whenever and however they may want them.”

The first delivery went to Michael Collver — a high school teacher — and his wife Kelly, who ordered a cough and cold pack, which includes Tylenol, Halls cough drops, tissues, Emergen-C and bottled water. The order is packed at Wing’s “Nest” and the drone is deployed to the customer. 

“Usually, every time you need something like Tylenol, that’s another car on the road,” Colver said. “It’s a hassle. With Wing, the kids love it, it keeps that car off the road, and it’s good for the planet too. Wing is perfect. This is the professional outcome of what I’m doing with these kids.”