Zipline partners with MultiCare
Drone logistics provider Zipline has partnered with MultiCare Health System, a healthcare provider in the US state of Washington, to develop a drone delivery network for medical supplies
The partnership will see Zipline deliver time-sensitive supplies such as lab samples, medication and test kits between MultiCare’s hospitals, labs and doctors’ offices, with operations planned to start in 2024 in the Tacoma area, pending regulatory approval.
In a statement, the partners said that the aim was ‘to create a faster, on-demand delivery model for MultiCare’s providers and improve the patient experience’.
The announcement comes just over a month after Zipline received Part 135 air carrier certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), becoming the first drone operator to be authorized for long-range on-demand drone deliveries in the US beyond visual line of sight.
In addition to its new partnership with MultiCare, the certification supports the growth of Zipline’s operations with other US partners, which include Cardinal Health, Magellan Rx Management, and Novant Health.