Uber partners with Flytrex to test Uber Eats drone deliveries
Uber announced plans to begin testing drone deliveries for Uber Eats in select U.S. markets by the end of this year, marking its latest move to explore futuristic transportation technologies. The initiative is part of a new partnership with Israeli drone startup Flytrex, which will also include a small investment from Uber. While the company declined to disclose the financial terms, it told Bloomberg News the investment was not material.
Reviving Old Ambitions
This isn’t Uber’s first foray into drone delivery. The company previously trialed the concept in 2019 but backed away due to regulatory challenges and eventually sold its aviation unit, Uber Elevate, to air taxi developer Joby. Now, with the FAA loosening restrictions and public appetite for faster, more flexible delivery growing, Uber sees an opportunity to re-enter the space.
A Broader Push Into Next-Gen Transport
The drone tests come as Uber is rekindling its involvement in innovative mobility solutions. The company has recently partnered with Waymo to integrate self-driving cars into Uber’s platform in cities like Atlanta. It is also pushing ahead with plans to offer electric air taxis in the coming years—technology once nurtured within Uber Elevate.
Why Flytrex?
Flytrex has established itself as a serious player in aerial delivery. The startup already works with Uber Eats rival DoorDash and claims to have completed more than 200,000 deliveries across the U.S. By partnering with Flytrex, Uber gains both operational expertise and credibility in a market that is slowly moving from pilot programs to scalable deployments.
The Bigger Picture
Competition in drone-based logistics is heating up. Companies like Zipline are making major strides in aerial delivery, with a focus on healthcare, retail, and food. If Uber’s trials prove successful, drones could soon become a regular feature of its Eats service—offering faster drop-offs, reduced road congestion, and a glimpse at the company’s long-term vision of integrating ground, air, and autonomous mobility into a single platform.
