Walmart recently launched metro Atlanta’s first drone delivery service in partnership with its drone delivery provider, Wing, expanding access to fast, convenient delivery for customers in local communities. The service allows residents to receive small, essential items within minutes—helping reduce short car trips and navigate the region’s heavy traffic. Atwell supported Walmart by providing site planning, design, and permitting services that helped prepare the store location for safe and compliant drone operations.
Enabling faster access to everyday essentials
Wing’s drone delivery service is designed for lightweight, time-sensitive items such as over-the-counter medications, groceries, and household essentials. Drones can carry up to 2.5 pounds with a one-way range of 6 miles. Fully electric and operating at low altitudes—well below commercial airspace—the drones provide a quiet, efficient delivery option. The delivery service offers a practical solution for everyday needs.
Wing manages the drone technology, flight operations, and the on-site “Nest,” where drones are stored, charged, and secured. Together, Walmart and Wing are introducing an additional delivery option that saves customers time and helps ease congestion on metro Atlanta roads.
Atwell’s role: planning, design, and permitting
Atwell partnered with Walmart and Wing to prepare the site for drone operations, supporting several key components of the project:
- Site planning for the drone Nest
Atwell developed the site plan for the Nest within the existing parking lot, identifying an optimal location that met FAA-related requirements while maintaining customer safety and minimizing impacts to parking and traffic flow. - Permitting and regulatory coordination
Atwell supported zoning, fencing, and building permits and coordinated with local authorities to help ensure regulatory compliance and a smooth approval process.
Associate Project Manager Rachel Sutherland emphasized the local impact of the project: “It’s exciting to support the introduction of new technology that can make a real difference—whether delivering medicine to someone who’s sick or helping a family meet a last-minute need.”
Jim Lowe, Vice President at Atwell for the metro Atlanta region, added “This project shows how collaboration and thoughtful planning can turn emerging technology into a service that benefits everyday life.”
Supporting innovation that benefits communities
This project demonstrates how strategic site planning and design can support new delivery models that directly benefit customers and communities. By improving access to essential goods and reducing vehicle trips, drone delivery offers a meaningful advantage for families across metro Atlanta. Atwell is proud to have supported Walmart and Wing in bringing this first-of-its-kind service to the region.
