Walmart adds 8 Houston-area drone delivery hubs

The big picture: Wing and Walmart added eight drone delivery hubs across the Houston area, more than doubling their local network since launching the partnership in January.

Zoom in: New drone delivery locations include stores in Tomball Parkway, Highway 6 South, New Caney, two in Spring, Northwest Freeway, East Freeway and FM 1960 West.

• There are now 13 locations.

How it works: Customers in eligible areas can order through the Walmart app, Walmart.com or the Wing app. Drone delivery is free for Walmart+ members, and $20 for nonmembers.

• Wing says its drones fly up to 60 mph, with most deliveries reaching customers in under five minutes before lowering packages to the ground by tether.
• Wing drones need an area about the size of a picnic blanket that's clear of bushes, trees and other overhead obstacles.
• Customers can check whether their address is eligible at Wing's Walmart drone delivery page.

The bottom line: The expansion is further proof that on-demand drone delivery is maturing, opening new conveniences for American consumers.