The company operates distribution centers in the United States, Rwanda, Ghana,[3] Japan,[4][5] Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire,[6] and Kenya.

[47] [48] [49] A Zipline distribution center can deliver medical supplies reliably anywhere within 100 km (62 mi),[41] even accounting for mountainous terrain and severe weather.

The drone cruises at 101 km/h (63 mph) at an altitude of 80–120 metres (260–390 ft) above ground level, ensuring deliveries are made within 45 minutes.

[53] Zipline's drones are capable of "level 4" autonomy: the ability to complete travel autonomously under normal environmental conditions without requiring pilot oversight.

It is capable of a more precise delivery than its previous generation, can recharge autonomously,[2] and is a VTOL meaning it takes off and lands like a helicopter but flies like an airplane.

[57] Rwanda has mountainous geography and poor road conditions, making an aerial delivery system more efficient than the use of land vehicles.

[59] A 2022 study found that Zipline's service in Rwanda leads to faster delivery times relative to existing ground transportation and less blood component wastage in health facilities.

[64] When the network is complete, Zipline will be able to serve about 85 percent of the population directly and the remainder indirectly, reaching over 3,200 health facilities in every region of the country.

[21][66] During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the FAA granted a Part 107 waiver to Novant Health in partnership with Zipline for the delivery of medical supplies and personal protective equipment to facilities in North Carolina.

The service, selectable to online shoppers using a special mobile app, could deliver to all residences within 50 miles (80 km) of a particular Walmart store in Pea Ridge during daylight hours.

[69] On October 4, 2022, Zipline began commercial delivery services in Salt Lake City, Utah, in partnership with Intermountain Healthcare.

The use of drone delivery to assure routine distribution of medical products is expected to cut current sea and air transport options from several hours down to 30 minutes.

[74] In December 2021, the company announced an agreement to open four distribution centers in Côte d'Ivoire,[6] it received its license to begin operations in January 2023.

[7] and began in October that year, as well as medical supplies it delivers veterinary goods and animal DNA,[76] it serves 1012 facilities within the surrounding Region.

[80] Between July 30 and September 5, 2019, Zipline partnered with the US and Australian militaries, delivering over 400 mock blood supplies during mass casualty simulations.