Domino’s Pizza has signed an agreement with Flirtey (SKyDrop) to expand its drone-delivery service trials in New Zealand. 

In 2016, the Domino’s Whangaparaoa store made history by delivering a pizza by drone, conducted with the supervision of the Civil Aviation Authority.

Now the brand is reviewing locations across the country for larger delivery trials which are expected to commence later this year.

Domino’s Group CEO and MD Don Meij believes drones will become an ‘essential component’ of pizza delivery in the future. 

“Customers benefit from the convenience of having fresh, hot pizzas delivered with zero contact to their homes by electrically-powered drones, which also reduces traffic congestion and greenhouse emissions.”

SkyDropfounder and CEO Matthew Sweeny said that the country has an opportunity to be at the forefront of the drone-delivery industry. 

He said SkyDrop had developed faster, safer, quieter, and greener drones capable of carrying increased payloads of up to 3.5kg since its initial Whangaparaoa trial. The company has also added a parachute system for safety, increased the precision altitude of the drones up to 60 metres, and received relevant unmanned aircraft operator certification from the CAA.

“We can’t wait to give our customers the unique experience of having their favourite Domino’s pizzas delivered by drone,” said Cameron Toomey, GM of Domino’s New Zealand