FAA Part 135 drone certification DEXA

Milestones clear the way for national expansion of autonomous drone delivery in the U.S.
Dayton-based drone logistics company DEXA (Drone Express) has reached two major milestones in its mission to bring autonomous drone delivery to consumers across the United States. The company announced that it has received FAA Part 135 Air Carrier Certification and that its proprietary DE-2020 drone has been added to the Secretary of Transportation’s S-1 List of Approved UAS under Section 44807.

These approvals position DEXA alongside a short list of companies, including Amazon Prime Air, Google Wing, and Zipline, that are authorized to scale commercial drone operations.

FAA Certification Unlocks BVLOS Operations
With Part 135 certification, DEXA is now authorized to conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for compensation. This certification is a critical requirement for drone delivery companies aiming to operate at a national scale.
“This is a momentous achievement for DEXA,” said Beth Flippo, CEO of DEXA. “For a small company like ours to earn the same certifications as some of the largest corporations in the world is a true testament to our team’s innovation, dedication, and relentless pursuit of advancing drone logistics. We began this journey through the IPP and BEYOND programs, and we are proud to continue advancing toward full Type Certification. Working alongside the FAA throughout this process has been an incredible experience, and we are deeply grateful for their collaboration in shaping the future of autonomous delivery.”
DE-2020 Drone Recognized for Airworthiness
The S-1 List approval of DEXA’s DE-2020 drone confirms its airworthiness, allowing the company to scale operations without relying on third-party aircraft. The DE-2020 is a U.S.-manufactured hexacopter designed for real-world logistics and built with safety, reliability, and sustainability in mind.

“Being named to the S-1 List is an important milestone and a significant achievement,” said Russell Kline, Chief Regulatory Officer of DEXA. “As the manufacturer of a certified and airworthy sUAS, we can now scale our delivery operations nationwide more efficiently, without relying on third-party aircraft. This is a powerful step forward in our journey to lead the drone delivery revolution.”
Ready to Scale Nationwide
With both FAA certification and drone approval secured, DEXA is moving forward with plans to expand its 15-minute delivery service. Using its DEXA NOW app, the company currently provides fast delivery of groceries, essentials, and convenience items to local communities.
The DE-2020 drone integrates advanced autonomous flight systems and safety features. It also supports sustainability by reducing road traffic and lowering emissions—important factors in today’s delivery ecosystem.
“Our goal has always been to revolutionize delivery,” added Flippo. “Now, with Part 135 certification and S-1 List approval, we’re ready to scale up, onboard new retail partners, and make drone delivery a daily convenience for consumers everywhere.”
About DEXA
Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, DEXA (Drone Express) is a U.S.-based leader in autonomous drone logistics. The company designs and manufactures the DE-2020 hexacopter in-house and operates the DEXA NOWdelivery platform. DEXA is focused on reshaping last-mile logistics with safe, fast, and eco-friendly solutions for consumers and retailers.
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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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