Manna Drone Delivery ‘as-a-service’ announces Just Eat, Ben & Jerry’s and Camile Thai as first commercial partners for flying food delivery.

Dublin 26 Feb, 2020 – Manna, the world’s first aviation-grade B2B drone delivery ‘as-a-service’ platform will commercial pilot its airborne logistics platform ‘in-a-box’ in University College Dublin with partners, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and local premium food brand Camile Thai, via food ordering and delivery platform Just Eat, delivering to a large customer base with a sub 3-minute delivery promise from vendor to customer.

Commenting on the trial Manna CEO and founder Bobby Healy says “I am extremely proud of the team and what we have built. It is a pleasure to work with such high calibre partners on our project next month in Dublin – our commercial pilot in University College Dublin. ‘It’s clear that Drone delivery provides a faster, cleaner, safer, cheaper and higher quality alternative to road-based delivery. We are excited about how that will improve the world”

Amanda Roche-Kelly, Managing Director Just Eat Ireland said: “Technology is at the core of everything we do at Just Eat, so we’re delighted to be involved in these pioneering trials with Manna, who have clearly built a groundbreaking drone delivery system. Transforming the business of food delivery as we know it, this coming together of two complementary services will greatly improve the delivery experience for our customers and further adds to the countless ways we connect people with food, everywhere. We are just so proud to be Ireland’s first online food ordering and delivery platform to provide a commercial drone delivery offering to our customers.”

Healy added “This technology will transform online food marketplaces, restaurants, dark kitchens, and communities globally. The Irish Aviation Authority have been a tremendous help and guide over the past three years, working together we have ensured that our drones are extremely safe in all operating conditions. We look forward to working with regulators around the world as we bring this innovative technology to customers across the Globe.”

This looks like being the first functioning fast food drone delivery service. Manna have been testing their drones over the last year in Wales, probably because the weather mimics the extremes that these drones will have to cope with in Ireland. Given that they managed to cope with 70 mph winds and torrential rain, things are looking good for this startup. With a promised delivery time of just 3 minutes, the 30,000 people in the initial test are could soon be eating the hottest “deliver to your door” food via Just Eat.

It’s a significant move and one that paves the way for other operators to enter what has been a difficult to operate in space.