Healthcare system Novant Health Inc on Wednesday introduced America's first emergency drone logistics operation in response to COVID-19 pandemic in partnership with Zipline, which will provide drone flight services during the crisis in North Carolina.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Novant Health a Part 107 waiver to begin operation, which is being launched as part of the North Carolina Department of Transportation's (NCDOT's) Unmanned Aircraft System Integration Pilot Program (IPP). The operation will provide ongoing drone logistics flights in Class-D controlled airspace under a part 107 waiver issued to a healthcare system.

This operation provides contactless distribution of personal protective equipment and critical medical supplies to Novant Health frontline medical teams in the Charlotte, North Carolina, metro area. The operation helps position Novant Health to adapt quickly to the evolving pandemic and could lead to innovative uses including testing, drug trials and vaccine distribution in the future.

Subject to approval under FAA Part 135 rules, the partnership plans to expand beyond emergency operations in the Charlotte area to regular commercial operations to serve health facilities and, ultimately, patients' homes across the state.