Walmart and Alphabet’s drone subsidiary Wing will expand aerial deliveries to the Seattle and Denver metropolitan areas next year, bringing the service to nearly 20 major U.S. markets, according to Fox Business. The expansion scales up an ongoing rollout intended to serve customers from more than 270 Walmart stores nationwide with a fleet of drones capable of carrying packages up to 5 pounds at speeds reaching 60 mph.
Seattle and Denver Metro Areas Prepare for Drone Deliveries
The upcoming launch introduces autonomous deliveries to the Pacific Northwest and Colorado, exposing the service to a wider range of weather conditions like regional rainfall and winter climates, according to Fox Business. While Walmart does not have stores within Seattle’s city limits, permit applications filed in September with Tacoma and Federal Way describe new fencing and storage for drone operations at local retail locations. Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell welcomed the project in a Wing news release, noting that innovation supports regional convenience. Tacoma residents will likely see delivery bags overhead next year, as the retailer targets local infrastructure upgrades.
Retailers Compete in Aerial Delivery Expansion
The partnership between Walmart and Wing already reaches more than 3 million customers across Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Houston, and Orlando. Wing Chief Business Officer Heather Rivera stated that the rapid adoption by families drives the footprint growth across diverse communities. Walmart Senior Vice President of eCommerce Transformation Greg Cathey explained that nearby stores stock everyday items while Wing bridges the final distance to doorsteps in minutes. Meanwhile, rival retailer Amazon operates its Prime Air drone delivery program in 10 metro areas and announced plans to reach 500 cities and towns by the end of 2026 following Federal Aviation Administration approvals. Amazon has not announced a Seattle drone launch date, though the company operates local delivery hubs for its 30-minute Amazon Now service.
Walmart and Wing expand drone delivery to new cities
When will drone deliveries start in Seattle and Denver?
Walmart announced that the drone delivery service will expand to the Seattle and Denver metropolitan areas next year.
What items can customers order through the drone service?
Customers can order tens of thousands of products from Walmart, including groceries, electronics, and over-the-counter medications, provided the total package weight does not exceed 5 pounds.
How far do the delivery drones travel and how fast do they fly?
Wing’s delivery drones can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, transporting everyday goods from Walmart stores directly to residential doorsteps in a matter of minutes.
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