Walmart and Alphabet's Wing to Launch 30-Minute Drone Delivery in Phoenix

Walmart and Alphabet-owned drone operator Wing are expanding their ultra-fast drone delivery service to the Phoenix metropolitan area, allowing local residents to receive select retail purchases in as little as 30 minutes. Phoenix is one of seven major U.S. metro areas selected for the latest expansion of what the companies describe as the nation's largest drone delivery network.

Under the new service, eligible residents in the Phoenix area will be able to order tens of thousands of Walmart items, including over-the-counter medications, groceries, electronics, and household essentials. Wing's delivery drones, which can fly at speeds of up to 60 mph, utilize a tether system to lower packages directly onto driveways or backyards without needing to land. Customers will initially access the service through the Wing app, with integration into Walmart's website and app planned once local operations begin.

"Customers expect their orders on their terms, delivered with speed and ease," said Greg Cathey , senior vice president of eCommerce Fulfillment Transformation for Walmart U.S. "Expanding into new markets with Wing allows us to provide an innovative delivery option for customers, utilizing our vast store network to make everyday shopping and fulfilling last-minute needs just a little bit easier."

The expansion also includes Memphis, New Orleans, Philadelphia, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Salt Lake City, bringing the partnership's footprint to nearly 20 U.S. metropolitan areas. The companies have set a target to reach 40 million consumers by 2027, building on more than 1 million commercial drone deliveries already completed by Wing in markets such as Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Atlanta. Phoenix residents can currently check their eligibility and sign up for service updates on Wing's website.