Tech Transformers

Domino’s delivers world’s first ever pizza by drone

Pizza delivery by drone a reality
VIDEO1:0901:09
Pizza delivery by drone a reality

A New Zealand couple has become the first people in the world to have a pizza delivered by drone.

Domino's Pizza flew the Peri-Peri Chicken and Chicken and Cranberry pizzas to the backyard of Emma and Johnny Norman's home in Whangaparaoa, about 20 miles north of Auckland .

Domino's claimed the flying pizza pie touched down Wednesday at 11:19 a.m. Auckland time after a flight of less than 5 minutes.


Emma and Johnny Norman tuck in to their drone delivered pizza
Domino’s Pizza Enterprises

In a press release, Domino's Group CEO and Managing Director, Don Meij, said the successful delivery came just three months after Domino's announced a partnership with Flirtey drone delivery service.

"We invested in this partnership, and technology, because we believe drone delivery will be an essential component of our pizza deliveries," Mr Meij said.

"They can avoid traffic congestion and traffic lights, and safely reduce the delivery time and distance by travelling directly to customers' homes. This is the future."

Domino's said the first official delivery followed a number test-flights, including food temperature testing, and liaison with government.

And the company claims that the delivery service won't mean fewer jobs.

"This will actually create jobs. As we expand, we will look to hire additional team members whose roles will be focused on drone order loading and fleet management," said Meiij.


Where Next?

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises

Domino's said it is looking at opportunities for drone delivery trials in its six other markets – Australia, Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Japan and Germany.

Although no mention of the United States was made, it seems clearer skies are ahead for American businesses betting on drones.

In August new rules by the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) came into effect Monday, outlining what small unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) will be allowed to fly.

The FAA said commercial drones must weigh less than 55 pounds, fly up to a maximum of 400 feet in altitude and aat a speed of no more than 100 miles per hour.