Papa Johns launches drone delivery pilot in North Carolina, excluding pizzas due to payload limits
Aerodynamic challenges and packaging constraints prevent the inclusion of signature pizzas, though the operator aims to expand the menu and service area in the future.
Papa Johns has initiated a drone delivery pilot in Indian Trail, North Carolina, in a collaboration with Alphabet's Wing. The service, which marks a new entry for the restaurant chain into automated aerial logistics, is currently restricted to a single franchise location situated outside the city of Charlotte.
While the pilot demonstrates the expanding capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles in the food sector, it notably excludes Papa Johns' signature pizzas. Wing CEO Adam Woodworth explained that full-size pizzas are not included due to significant aerodynamic challenges and packaging constraints. He noted that standard pizza boxes are not compatible with Wing's current lightweight drone payload sizes, which are engineered to carry only three specific package dimensions.
Despite these limitations, the service offers three specific sandwich varieties to customers in the trial zone: Philly cheesesteak, chicken bacon ranch, and steak and mushroom. This selection represents a newer product line for the fast-food chain. The exclusion of the chain's primary offering highlights the engineering hurdles remaining for drone operators attempting to transport items with large, flat surface areas that are not naturally aerodynamic.
The pilot operates within a framework where customers retain the option to opt out of drone delivery if they prefer traditional methods. This flexibility addresses concerns regarding the novelty of the service while allowing the operator to gather data on consumer acceptance. The initiative builds on Wing's existing regulatory standing, having received the US Federal Aviation Administration's first certificate for drone delivery operations in 2019.
The partnership contrasts with recent developments by competitor Flytrex, which has successfully delivered full-size pizzas using a larger, specialised drone model. Flytrex's Sky2 drone, capable of carrying up to 8.8 pounds, operates in Wylie, Texas, utilizing a unique design that keeps the pizza level during flight. This comparison underscores the varying technological approaches and payload capacities available across the industry.
Papa Johns chief digital and technology officer Kevin Vasconi stated that the company has an internal business case supporting the service and plans to train workers on new workflows to facilitate drone deliveries. He indicated that the chain intends to expand the service to include the full menu in the future, though a specific timeline for this expansion remains undefined. The pilot aims to streamline operations during rush hours while providing a surprise-and-delight feature for patrons.
