Author: Anthony Vittone, COO of DroneUp
DroneUp is pleased to share that U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and John Thune (R-SD) have introduced the Increasing Competitiveness for American Drones Act of 2023, legislation on which the senators' offices worked closely with key drone industry players including DroneUp. The comprehensive legislation aims to streamline the approvals process for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations, thereby establishing the U.S. as the world leader in commercial drone deliveries. DroneUp has partnered with Walmart to roll out nationwide drone deliveries, with 34 Walmart locations across six states currently participating in the program.
On behalf of DroneUp, Anthony Vittone COO released this statement: "The country that created the airplane is being left behind in the next generation of the aviation industry. It is critical that the laws and regulations of the United States allow for drones to integrate safely in the national airspace. The Increasing Competitiveness for American Drones Act of 2023 is a critical first step in that process. DroneUp is proud to have worked with Senators Warner and Thune in developing this legislation, and we commend them for their leadership in this area."
Grant Guillot, DroneUp's VP of Regulatory Affairs, adds, "Working alongside key industry leaders, DroneUp has ramped up its efforts to secure the support of Congress, the Department of Transportation, and the Federal Aviation Administration as the company strives to eliminate regulatory barriers that threaten to curtail the continued advancement of the drone industry. The legislation introduced today by Senators Thune and Warner will go a long way in ensuring the U.S. maintains its hard-earned reputation as the leader in the global aviation industry."
DroneUp hosted Senator Warner at its Virginia Beach headquarters, where the Senator was able to observe the company's operations and to discuss key regulatory matters with members of DroneUp's leadership team.