Retailer Expands High‑Speed Aerial Delivery to New Markets in 2026
Walmart and its drone delivery partner Wing are significantly expanding their last‑mile logistics footprint, announcing plans to bring on‑demand drone delivery services to 150 additional Walmart stores in 2026 and grow the network to more than 270 locations by 2027.
Drone Delivery Growth Accelerates Across the U.S.
Under the expanded agreement, Walmart and Wing — the Alphabet‑owned drone operator — aim to introduce drone delivery coverage to customers near more than 40 million potential households nationwide. Initially active mainly in regions like Dallas‑Fort Worth and Atlanta, the service will now extend to major metropolitan areas including Los Angeles, St. Louis, Cincinnati and Miami, with additional locations to be announced later.
Greg Cathey, Walmart’s senior vice president of digital fulfillment transformation, said the initiative demonstrates the retailer’s commitment to meeting growing consumer demand for fast, convenient delivery, often within 30 minutes or less.
Technology and Consumer Adoption Driving Expansion
Wing’s delivery drones, which fly up to 60 miles per hour and can travel roughly 12 miles round trip, are designed to carry packages weighing up to five pounds — ideal for items like groceries, household staples and over‑the‑counter medicines. According to Walmart’s announcement, the expansion builds on rapid recent adoption: delivery volumes have tripled in the past six months as customers increasingly turn to drone fulfillment for quick, small‑item needs.
Customers can check eligibility and sign up for delivery availability through Wing’s app or website; as the program grows, drop‑offs will be made directly to designated spaces at customers’ homes.
Context in the Last‑Mile Delivery Landscape
The expansion marks one of the largest drone delivery rollouts by a U.S. retailer, reinforcing Walmart’s strategy to integrate emerging technologies into its logistics and fulfillment network. This move comes as other retail and delivery giants — including Amazon with Prime Air — also scale aerial delivery capabilities to reduce dependency on traditional truck‑based last‑mile services.
By pushing further into drone delivery, Walmart is positioning itself to better compete on convenience and speed, while offering consumers more rapid delivery options that align with evolving expectations for instant access to products.
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Staff Report
Dan Craft
Dan Craft
