Consumer preferences for uncrewed aerial vehicles delivery service

The rapid advancement of technology has led to the emergence of innovative solutions in delivery services, notably unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones. This study investigates consumer preferences for UAV-based delivery services using data from a nationwide stated choice experiment conducted with 1,000 Australian respondents. The experiment covered four delivery contexts − letters, food, medicine, and general goods − by varying key attributes such as delivery time, cost, and item type, with an aim for both geographic and demographic representativeness. The data were analysed using a latent class choice model, which identified distinct consumer segments with varying sensitivities to pricing, delivery urgency, and non-monetary concerns such as privacy and safety. Results indicate that, all else being equal, the market share of UAV delivery ranges from 33% for food delivery to 41% for letters. Respondents show greater interest in using UAVs for lighter and time-sensitive items such as letters and medicine, while they are less inclined to use drones for food delivery. Safety and reliability emerge as key concerns across most segments. Generally, younger adults, individuals with higher education and income levels, and those with greater familiarity with drones are more inclined to adopt UAV delivery services. Australians also demonstrate a wide range of willingness to pay for faster delivery − ranging from A$0.30 for letters to A$4.90 for food delivered within five minutes. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of consumer preferences in UAV delivery and offers practical insights for businesses, policymakers, and researchers navigating this evolving landscape.