Manna Plots Major U.S. Expansion, Bringing Thousands of Drone Delivery Jobs to Tulsa

Manna, the Irish autonomous drone delivery pioneer, is poised to inject thousands of jobs into Tulsa, Oklahoma, with the establishment of its new U.S. operations and manufacturing facility. While initial plans project 1,000 hires, CEO Bobby Healy anticipates this figure could swell to between 2,000 and 3,000 jobs in the coming years, spanning manufacturing, operations, and the broader commercial ecosystem. This significant expansion marks Manna's commitment to the American market, building on its impressive track record of over 250,000 regulated commercial flights across Ireland, Finland, and Texas.

The move signals a pivotal moment for both Manna and the burgeoning drone delivery sector in the U.S. Having recently secured $50 million in Series B funding, bringing its total investment to $110 million, Manna is now focused on scaling its proven suburban delivery model. The company's drones, capable of delivering up to 4kg of goods like food, medical supplies, and retail items within minutes via a precise tether system, represent a highly efficient alternative to traditional logistics. One Manna pilot can oversee up to 20 simultaneous autonomous flights, highlighting a substantial leap in operational efficiency.

Tulsa's strategic advantage as a federally designated "Tech Hub" for autonomous systems, backed by over $90 million in federal investment, played a crucial role in attracting Manna. The city's ambition to become the "Drone Capital of the World" aligns perfectly with Manna's expansion, fostering an environment ripe for innovation and workforce development. This collaboration underscores a broader trend: the commercial drone market, valued at $1.47 billion in 2026 and projected to reach $6.74 billion by 2031, is rapidly transitioning from experimental phases to large-scale deployment. As regulatory frameworks mature and public acceptance grows, Manna's aggressive U.S. push could redefine last-mile logistics, offering faster, greener, and more affordable delivery options, though navigating complex airspace and community integration will remain critical challenges.