France: Cdiscount tested delivery of toys by drone during 2016 Christmas season

04.05.2017

France: Cdiscount tested delivery of toys by drone during 2016 Christmas season
Le Figaro, 04 May 2017, online:-
French online retailer Cdiscount (Casino) used a drone to deliver toys for the 2016 Christmas season, during which time the craft was used to transport nearly 300 toys to sick children at the University Hospital of Bordeaux. The operation, named Flying Santa, involved a drone made by Bordeaux-based company Air Marine and according to Cdiscount CEO Emmanuel Grenier, this is the first time that a drone parcel delivery service has
been tested in Europe in an urban environment. The company conducted this test for three weeks in December 2016 after receiving authorisation from the civil aviation authority (DGAC). Although the law does not currently allow the use of drones for parcel deliveries, distributors and e-retailers are making preparations and Cdiscount is using all of the weapons at its disposal to stay at the forefront of technology in its battle with US giant Amazon in the local market.
©M-Brain
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