Pizza chain Domino's says its delivery driver roles are not in danger as it prepares to extend its drone delivery trial.
File photo. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The company made the world's first drone operated pizza delivery back in 2016. It has now struck another deal with drone delivery business SkyDrop for more trials in New Zealand.
Domino's said drones would be an essential part of pizza deliveries in the future.
However, the company's New Zealand general manager Cameron Toomey said that would not be at the expense of its drivers.
"One of the things about Domino's is our drivers are a team member in the store so they are not contractor drivers, they are a full team member. They do perform other duties in our store as well."
Toomey said the business was built around drivers, and that drones would complement its delivery business alongside drivers.
"We 100 percent expect to see drivers as an integral part of our business moving forward as well."
Toomey said the previous trial in 2016 showed that the drones needed to increase the weight of the orders.
"SkyDrop has spent the time since that trial developing a faster, safer, quieter drone that can carry up to 3.5 kilograms in their payload," he said.
SkyDrop founder and chief executive Matthew Sweeny said the company was excited to launch the second stage of the commercial drone delivery.
"New Zealand has a real opportunity to be at the forefront of the drone delivery industry globally," he said.
"We look forward to expanding our leadership in the trillion-dollar store-to-door food delivery market."
Domino's said it was assessing locations for drone delivery trials to begin later this year.