New approval enables large-scale, address-free drone delivery across the U.S.
Dayton-based drone delivery company DEXA has announced it has secured a national waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), allowing its drones to operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) without case-by-case approvals. This achievement positions DEXA among a small group of U.S. drone operators cleared for national BVLOS operations, unlocking new possibilities for large-scale commercial drone delivery.
“This nationwide waiver enables us to deliver on our promise of faster, smarter logistics in communities across the country,” said Russell Kline, Chief Regulatory Officer at DEXA. “It’s the result of years of safety innovation, engineering rigor, and close coordination with the FAA. We’re excited to move forward with BVLOS operations and bring the benefits of drone delivery to more people and businesses around the country.”
Paving the Way for Scalable Drone Logistics
Until now, commercial drones without a BVLOS waiver required visual observers to keep eyes on each flight. DEXA’s national waiver eliminates this limitation, allowing drones to travel long distances without constant visual contact. This change cuts operational costs and supports true commercial scale.
DEXA stands out as the only company of its size to achieve three critical FAA milestones:
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FAA Airworthiness Certification – DEXA’s custom-built aircraft have been certified as safe and reliable for commercial use.
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Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate – Essential for commercial drone delivery, especially for BVLOS flights.
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National BVLOS Waiver – Removes the need for individual FAA approvals for each long-range flight.
Delivering Direct to Consumers — No Address Needed
Beyond enterprise logistics, DEXA plans to serve consumers directly through its delivery marketplace. Using the DEXA NOW app, customers can order groceries, over-the-counter medications, pet supplies, and more. Deliveries are made to a customer’s exact location — no physical address needed — similar to how ride-share apps find users.
For $6 a month, customers can receive unlimited deliveries at in-store prices with no extra fees or tipping. The service aims to bring quick, convenient access to everyday essentials, often within minutes.
“The FAA’s national BVLOS waiver is a milestone moment for our team here at DEXA,” said Beth Flippo, Chief Executive Officer. “This approval is a testament not just for our regulatory clearances, but also to how efficiently our team has worked together to get to this point. Dexa achieved these milestones and started operations with just $15 million in funding. In contrast, other drone delivery companies had to raise hundreds of millions or needed the backing of massive parent companies. Our commitment to first and foremost delivering a safe, secure, and reliable service has paid dividends, which we’re reinvesting into our unique marketplace business model.”
Looking Ahead
DEXA will continue working with federal and local officials to maintain high safety and community engagement standards as it expands. The new BVLOS capability is expected to accelerate the company’s growth and support additional uses in food, retail, and time-sensitive logistics.
Founded in 2021, DEXA designs and manufactures its own DE-2020 hexacopter in the U.S. and operates its delivery platform through the DEXA NOW app. As a leader in autonomous drone logistics, the company aims to shape the future of last-mile delivery with a focus on speed, safety, and sustainability.
For updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow @flyDEXA on social media or visit flyDEXA.com.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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