Back in October, the Irish-based drone delivery company Manna, founded by serial entrepreneur, Bobby Healy, stretched its wings and started flying above North Texas, USA, with an initial trial of delivering to the Pecan Square community, where residents could order a range of food and beverages, including a selection of Halloween chocolates and candies, reports the irishexaminer.com.
In a world-first, Europe’s largest and most-advanced drone delivery operator, took trick or treating to new heights, initially transporting candy to local families.
https://www.manna.aero/us/pecan-square
Following successful operations in the Irish towns of Moneygall, Oran, Balbriggan and Blanchardstown, Manna then commenced its first U.S trial over the Dallas/Ft.Worth area in collaboration with multinational real estate development company, Hillwood.
Andrew Patton, Head of U.S Manna Delivery, remarked at the time, “After 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 a lightning-quick and sustainable home delivery service.”
The following Texas trial came in tandem with a strategic investment in Manna from Coca-Cola HBC, the bottling partner of the global drinks firm. The release explains, “The affiliate collaborates with disruptive start-ups that have synergies with its business ambitions in the areas of last mile, vending, coffee technology and sustainability.”
Bobby Healy, CEO and Founder of Manna, commented, “Working with Hillwood who develop technology-forward, innovative lifestyle communities and Coca-Cola HBC who are committed to more sustainable and advanced delivery solutions, is testament to the realisation that last mile delivery can be done in a more efficient, safer and greener way.”
Manna commissioned a study with Ireland’s University of Maynooth to compare the amount of carbon emitted during drone delivery to normal forms of delivery including cars, motorbikes and electric bikes. The study showed that Manna’s drone emitted between six and eight times less C02 than a small petrol car and that although e‑bikes may emit slightly less carbon dioxide, they take twice as long as drones to complete deliveries.
Healy continued, “The aircraft itself produces no CO2 when it flies because it’s an electric-powered aircraft. The report showed that we’re less efficient than an electric bicycle but eight times more efficient than a small petrol car.”
Zoran Bogdanovic, CEO, Coca-Cola HBC, said, “Our investment in Manna encapsulates an ambition to deliver our products in new and more sustainable ways. This partnership allows us to be at the forefront of disruptive technologies across the worldwide consumer packaged goods market.”
For Manna, this strategic partnership provides insights and expertise from a market leading beverage company, and over time, the two organisations plan to work to identify opportunities for the drone company to scale across Coca-Cola HBC’s territories.
Bobby Healy
Healy explained, “The U.S is our number one target market and the consumer base there loves convenience. We want our drone to be like the original Volkswagen Beetle. It just keeps working and with low maintenance costs. The key is to fly into a world where you can do more than 100,000 flights between maintenance intervals. We’re building smart, electronic helicopters, but we have the safety overheads of both airlines and aircraft manufacturers.”
The international business community has been enthusiastic for Healy and his company’s vision. In addition to regulatory access across borders, Enterprise Ireland has been working to assist Manna throughout the fundraising process.
Healy stated, “Most businesses are predictable and believable. Ours is beyond cutting edge. We’re doing something totally new, but we have overcome disbelief and begun to successfully raise significant levels of capital.”
He has decided to focus on the food industry because the potential delivery volume is extremely high, allowing the new business to be capital-efficient early on. Once the infrastructure is in place, Manna then plans to roll out other services including for pharmacies, hardware stores, butcher shops and bookstores.
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(News Source: www.irishexaminer.com/)
