Why McDonald's Isn't Getting McDonaldrones for Delivery

Introduction

McDonald's, a household name in the fast food industry, might be missing out on a ground-breaking delivery method: drones. While the idea of having McDonald's drones (McDrones) to deliver food sounds futuristic and convenient, there are several reasons why this hasn't yet become a reality. This article explores the challenges and considerations McDonald's must face before embracing drone delivery technology.

The Importance of Immediate Consumption

One of the key challenges in adopting drone delivery for fast food lies in the necessity for food to be consumed immediately. Fast food, by its very nature, is designed to be eaten swiftly (within 10 minutes of preparation), and the slightest delay can ruin its quality and taste. When food is prepared and bags are sealed, it often sits for an extended period before delivery, leading to a high likelihood of it being cold, soggy, or just plain disgusting by the time it arrives.

Successful Drone Delivery Systems

While there is no mainstream success in drone delivery just yet, McDonald's might eventually partner with drone delivery services. For instance, Uber Eats has announced they are collaborating with McDonald's for drone delivery services, a move that could set the stage for wider adoption. However, until recently, major players like Google Wing, UPS Flight Forward, and DroneUp/Walmart have had to obtain waivers for drone operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), a requirement that adds significant cost and complexity.

Regulatory Challenges

The key obstacle to widespread drone delivery is the regulatory landscape. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been developing rules and regulations for drone operations. These rules, particularly around flying drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), have been a significant hurdle.

New Regulations and Prototypes

The FAA has published several NPRMs (Notices of Proposed Rulemaking) over the years, aiming to establish clear guidelines for commercial drone operations. The latest set of regulations, which are expected to be finalized in 2023, will provide manufacturers with the clarity needed to design compliant drones. Companies like Uber Eats and Pizza Hut have been working on prototypes that meet these new standards, and successful models like these could pave the way for widespread adoption in the fast food industry.

Operation Details

When drone delivery is successfully implemented, it would involve a few key steps:

Customers would place their orders through a delivery service like Uber Eats. The drone would be summoned by the restaurant and could either land, hover, or drop a line to pick up the package. In safe neighborhoods, the drone could deliver the package directly to the doorstep. In more complex areas, drones would work alongside human couriers to ensure the package reaches its destination.

Cost and Convenience Considerations

While the technology to deliver McDonald's meals by drone has been available for quite some time, the regulatory barriers and associated costs have hindered widespread implementation. However, once the new regulations are finalized, it is likely that McDonald's will see a significant reduction in delivery times, especially in urban and suburban areas where traffic and parking can be challenging.

Cost Implications

Delivery drones could potentially reduce the average delivery time by cutting out the delay between preparation and pickup, as well as the time taken to navigate through traffic. Charging a small upcharge, such as $3.99, could make these expedited deliveries more appealing to customers.

McDonald’s Response to Drone Delivery Partnership

McDonald's has shown early interest in drone delivery through its partnership with Uber Eats. This partnership demonstrates that the company is aware of the potential benefits and is open to exploring new technologies that could improve its delivery service. However, the actual implementation of these services will depend on the finalization of the relevant regulations and the successful development of drone delivery platforms.

Conclusion

McDonald's, while it may not have immediate plans for drone delivery, is actively monitoring the developments in this space. As regulatory barriers are overcome and technological advancements continue to be made, it is foreseeable that McDonald's will be able to offer drone delivery services, potentially transforming the way customers receive their meals.