Dayton, Ohio-based drone logistics company DEXA (Drone Express) has achieved two major milestones in its quest to deliver autonomous drone deliveries across the U.S.: FAA Part 135 Air Carrier Certification and inclusion of its self-developed DE-2020 drone on the S-1 Unmanned Aircraft Systems List approved by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation pursuant to Section 44807.
This marks DEXA as one of a handful of companies approved to scale up commercial drone operations in the U.S., joining Amazon Prime Air, Google Wing, and Zipline.
Part 135 Certification Enables Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Operations
With Part 135 certification, DEXA is now authorized to conduct paid Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) deliveries. This certification is critical for drone companies looking to expand nationwide.
“This is a significant achievement for DEXA,” said Beth Flippo, CEO. “As a growing company, being certified at the same level as a global tech giant speaks to our team’s commitment to technological innovation, safety and reliability, and industry momentum. We started with the IPP and BEYOND programs and are now one step closer to full type certification. We appreciate the FAA’s continued cooperation and support.”
DE-2020 drone receives S-1 list approval, confirming airworthiness
DEXA’s self-designed and manufactured DE-2020 six-rotor drone has been successfully selected for the S-1 list, officially confirming its airworthiness. This allows the company to expand its nationwide delivery network independently without relying on third-party aircraft.
“This is a critical certification breakthrough,” said Russell Kline, DEXA’s Chief Regulatory Officer. “As one of the few sUAS manufacturers to receive S-1 approval, we can now deploy our fleet more efficiently and flexibly, laying the foundation for large-scale commercialization of drone delivery.”
Expansion across the United States is imminent, creating a new model for sustainable logistics
After obtaining FAA certification and S-1 approval, DEXA is accelerating its “15-minute express delivery” plan. Through the DEXA NOW application, the company has provided fast delivery services for groceries, daily necessities and convenience items in some communities.
The DE-2020 drone is equipped with advanced autonomous flight systems and safety features, dedicated to reducing ground traffic pressure, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting the construction of a greener and more efficient delivery ecosystem.
“Our mission is to revolutionize delivery,” Flippo added. “Now that we have all the qualifications to expand our national operations, we will continue to work with retail partners to make drone delivery a convenient option for more people in their daily lives.”
About DEXA (Drone Express)
Founded in 2021, DEXA, headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, is the leading autonomous drone logistics company in the United States. The company develops and produces the DE-2020 drone and operates the DEXA NOW delivery platform, focusing on providing consumers and retailers with safe, fast and environmentally friendly “last mile” delivery solutions to promote the development of future urban logistics.
Reference: https://dronelife.com/2025/04/17/dexa-earns-faa-part-135-certification-and-s-1-drone-approval/
