DoorDash has announced a drone delivery system under the name DoorDash Air, with pilot deliveries set to begin in Northern California. The company said the system is designed to serve local businesses of all sizes and will initially include national restaurant partners Chipotle Mexican Grill and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, as well as a local restaurant, Momo N Curry.

According to a company statement, the system was designed around existing DoorDash order data, with the company claiming approximately 80% of typical U.S. restaurant orders are light and small enough for the aircraft to carry. The aircraft features six propellers and is described as producing noise roughly equivalent to a passing car at delivery height. A winch system is used for pickup and dropoff, and the aircraft includes failsafe systems to lower it to the ground in the event of a malfunction.

DoorDash said initial tests showed average delivery times from restaurant to consumer of under five minutes, though the company noted delivery times are not guaranteed and are based on a limited sample.

The drone system operates through DoorDash's Autonomous Delivery Platform (ADP), which the company said already coordinates its ground delivery robot, Dot, as well as third-party autonomous delivery partners. The ADP routes orders based on factors including distance, weight, weather, and kitchen prep time.

"We didn't start with a drone and ask what would fit. We started with what people order and how local businesses actually operate, then built the entire system from there," said Harrison Shih, Head of DoorDash Air.

Chipotle's Chief Digital Officer Arlie Sisson and Popeyes' Chief Digital Officer James Huang both confirmed their participation in the pilot program. Mohan Khatiwada, owner of Momo N Curry, noted the appeal of the technology for small businesses with limited staff.

DoorDash (NYSE: DASH) said it has completed hundreds of thousands of autonomous deliveries across its network to date. The company indicated it will share additional details on ground infrastructure as the program expands.