Michigan-Backed Pilot Project Aims to Modernize Automotive Logistics with Aerial Delivery
A New Era of Auto Parts Delivery
In a step toward modernizing supply chains, a group of Michigan-based partners has launched a new drone delivery pilot. The program, led by drone company blueflite, focuses on delivering automotive parts by air to Ford dealerships in Southeast Michigan.
The project is backed by a $740,000 grant from Michigan’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Activation Fund. Partners include Jack Demmer Ford, Centrepolis Accelerator, Airspace Link, and DroneUp. The goal is to test the use of autonomous drones to move high-demand car parts within a 12-mile radius of Jack Demmer Ford locations.
By flying parts over traffic instead of through it, the initiative addresses common problems in dealership logistics. “This project will pilot the use of autonomous drones to deliver high-demand car parts,” the team explained in the release.
Solving Old Problems with New Technology
Late or missing parts can slow down vehicle repairs and cause customer frustration. Traffic congestion only adds to the problem. The drone delivery program aims to cut delays and help dealerships repair vehicles faster.
By placing drones directly into the service process, the team hopes to reduce downtime, boost supply chain resilience, and provide a new model for logistics in the auto sector.
“This marks one of the first real-world drone delivery pilots in the auto industry,” the announcement stated. It also fits into a broader strategy to support drone use in Michigan, where leaders are pushing to be at the forefront of uncrewed aircraft systems.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s recent Executive Directive 2025-4 supports the use of drones for both business and government. The project between Jack Demmer Ford and blueflite brings that vision to life, combining state policy, local business, and new technology.
Part of Michigan’s Growing Drone Corridor
The drone flights will operate in the metro Detroit area, connecting to the expanding Ann Arbor–Detroit drone corridor. This region is quickly becoming a national testbed for advanced air mobility.
“The project is expected to generate critical operational insights to inform policy, accelerate industry adoption, and serve as a blueprint for scaling drone logistics across the automotive sector, and beyond,” the team said.
The partnership also highlights Michigan’s unique position. It blends deep roots in the automotive world with growing strength in aerospace and drone technology.
“At a time when mobility is being redefined, this collaboration showcases how Michigan’s automotive roots and aerospace future are coming together to shape a smarter, faster, and more connected supply chain.”
About blueflite
Blueflite is a drone technology company building next-generation aerial logistics platforms. Its patented tiltrotor drone design offers long-range, autonomous flight with better precision and agility than traditional quadcopters. The company focuses on scalable solutions for high-performance missions across industries.
Read more:
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.
TWITTER:@spaldingbarker
Subscribe to DroneLife here.
