technology•Sun, August 30, 2026•4 min read

Uber Eats and Zipline Partner to Take Food Delivery to the Skies

Uber Eats has officially partnered with autonomous delivery leader Zipline to integrate drone technology directly into its platform. The service will begin rolling out in Dallas and Houston later this year with the ambitious goal of reaching one million daily deliveries by 2029.

The Future of Takeout Is Taking Flight

Your next Uber Eats order might not arrive in a car at all. Uber has announced a strategic partnership with Zipline, the industry-leading autonomous delivery company, to bring drone technology directly into the Uber Eats ecosystem. This integration marks a significant shift in how we think about last-mile delivery, aiming to make receiving food and retail goods as effortless as sending a text.

A Zipline drone prepares to lower a delivery via tether.

How It Works: Precision From Above

The partnership utilizes Zipline’s 'Platform 2' (P2) system, which is designed for speed, precision, and quiet operation. Unlike traditional delivery services that require specific landing pads, Zipline’s aircraft remains at an altitude of approximately 300 feet while hovering over the delivery site. A smaller delivery unit is then lowered via a tether to drop the package exactly where it is needed—whether that is a front porch or a backyard.

Capacity: The P2 system can carry up to 8 pounds of cargo.
Speed: Capable of 10-mile deliveries in approximately 10 minutes with a cruise speed of 70 mph.
Integration: This is the first time Zipline’s technology will be fully integrated into a major retailer's existing app, removing the need for a separate delivery platform.

Scaling to Millions

Uber is not just experimenting; they are scaling. The deployment is scheduled to begin in Dallas and Houston later this year, with plans for a broader rollout across dozens of U.S. cities shortly after. Uber has also made a strategic investment in Zipline, underscoring their commitment to a hybrid delivery model that combines human couriers, ground-based robots, and aerial drones.

Together with Uber, we're taking the next step toward building a world where getting what you need is as fast and effortless as sending a text, no matter where you are.
— Zipline spokesperson

The partnership aims for a monumental goal: one million daily drone deliveries by the end of 2029. By tapping into Zipline’s experience—which includes over 135 million commercial autonomous miles flown globally—Uber hopes to satisfy the 'insatiable' consumer demand for rapid, low-friction delivery services.

Key Takeaways

Uber Eats and Zipline are partnering to integrate drone delivery directly into the Uber Eats app.
Services will launch in Dallas and Houston later this year.
Zipline's P2 drones can carry up to 8 pounds and perform 10-mile deliveries in about 10 minutes.
The delivery process is fully autonomous and does not require a specialized landing pad.
The companies have set an ambitious goal of reaching one million daily drone deliveries by 2029.

FAQ

Do I need a landing pad for drone delivery?

No. Zipline's system uses a tether to lower your package to your yard or porch while the aircraft hovers safely overhead.

When will Uber Eats drone delivery be available?

The initial rollout is scheduled to begin in Dallas and Houston later this year.

How much can the Zipline drones carry?

The P2 system used by Zipline can carry a maximum payload of up to 8 pounds.

How fast are these drone deliveries?

The aircraft has a cruise speed of about 70 mph, allowing it to complete a 10-mile delivery in approximately 10 minutes.

Will I have to download a new app for this?

No. This partnership marks the first time Zipline will be fully integrated into the Uber Eats app, meaning you can use the service directly within the Uber platform.