The Connect November 2023
Manna and the MIZ: Only Treats, No Tricks
In March, Manna, Europe's largest and most advanced drone delivery operator, announced its last-mile delivery services entry into the U.S. at the AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone (MIZ). The MIZ connects the people, places and ideas needed to propel innovation in surface and air mobility forward.
Seven months later, the Ireland-based company is now operating in the North Texas sky.
"After over four years of operations and over 150,000 flights logged in Europe, we are excited to be touching down in the United States to offer the residents of Dallas/Fort Worth a lightning-quick and sustainable home delivery service," said Andrew Patton, Head of U.S. for Manna Drone Delivery.
Manna delivered goodies by drone to the doorsteps of trick-or-treaters on Halloween, commencing their operations at Pecan Square in Northlake, Texas.
“As the division of Hillwood that creates a community for generations of Texas families, innovation is one of our guiding principles when we envision and develop Lifestyle by HillwoodSM communities,” said Fred Balda, president of Hillwood Communities. “We are excited to collaborate with Hillwood’s Mobility Innovation Zone team and Manna to use new technologies and bring innovation directly to our families’ doorstep.”
Manna designs, builds and operates unmanned aerial vehicles that safely and sustainably perform high-speed deliveries of up to 4.4 pounds in high-density, suburban last-mile settings.
“Manna is doing great things in Dublin, Ireland, and we’re excited to see them make their U.S. debut in Texas and within Pecan Square,” said Chris Ash, senior vice president of aviation business development at Hillwood.
Manna is also partnering with the Tarrant Area Food Bank, which serves nearly 1 million meals a week to North Texas residents, by making a donation for every flight conducted this year.
“Drone deliveries are here to stay, and we’re leaning into this efficient and innovative delivery option,” Ash said. “We will continue to build great relationships with more companies to further develop and commercialize this technology that reduces roadway congestion and emissions.”
Read the recent news coverage in FLYING Magazine