International innovator expects to create 1,000 local jobs, support local businesses with drone delivery

Manna, the Irish-founded leader in autonomous drone delivery, today announced the launch of its first full-scale metropolitan U.S. operation in Tulsa, Okla., marking a major milestone in the company’s international expansion and the company’s investment in US-based drone manufacturing and job creation.

The launch establishes Tulsa as Manna’s central operational base in the United States and begins a major investment in the American market. As the company expands its next-generation drone delivery network, Manna expects to create more than 1,000 jobs in Tulsa over the next three years across aviation and flight operations, commercial operations, customer support, manufacturing, maintenance and business functions, with plans to build its U.S. manufacturing base in Tulsa to power its entire American expansion.

Oklahoma was selected as Manna’s first U.S. base because of Tulsa’s leadership in advanced aviation and its growing drone innovation ecosystem. The recruitment was led by Tulsa Local Ventures, a George Kaiser Family Foundation initiative, in partnership with Tulsa Innovation Labs, whose work to advance Tulsa’s advanced air mobility and autonomous systems is helping establish the region as a leading testbed for commercial-scale drone operations and a model for communities nationwide.

“This is exactly what it looks like when Oklahoma competes and wins. Manna could have chosen anywhere in the country, and they chose Tulsa because we’ve built a business climate that supports innovation, rewards investment, and moves at the speed of industry,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “This investment means more than 1,000 good-paying jobs for Oklahomans; it puts our state at the forefront of the future of aviation and drone technology.”

Founded in Ireland in 2018, Manna has become a leading commercial drone delivery operator, completing almost 380,000 global deliveries. The company has developed one of the world’s most advanced drone delivery platforms, enabling consumers to receive groceries, restaurant

deliveries, pharmacy products and everyday essentials in minutes while helping reduce road congestion and transport emissions.

“This is a proud day for Manna and for innovation,” said Bobby Healy, Founder and CEO of Manna. “We’ve spent years developing one of the world’s most advanced drone delivery platforms in Ireland, and today we’re bringing that technology to the United States. We’ve chosen Tulsa as the base for our next phase of growth — their approach to airspace and aviation is genuinely forward-looking, and the support we’ve had from city officials in enabling our expansion has been first-class. America represents the world’s largest opportunity for drone delivery, and we’re excited about creating more than 1,000 American jobs over the next three years while continuing to invest in our headquarters, our people and our innovation in Ireland.

This isn’t about moving from Ireland — it’s about taking Irish technology to the world.”

Oklahoma was selected as Manna’s first U.S. base because of Tulsa’s leadership in advanced aviation and drone innovation. As a federally designated Tech Hub, led by Tulsa Innovation Labs, Tulsa is recognized as a national leader in drone and aerospace technologies, making it an ideal location to scale commercial drone operations. Tulsa Innovation Labs is currently working with federal partners to finalize the Secure Autonomy Feedback and Evaluation Testbed (SAFE-T) initiative, which will provide a shared digital infrastructure for tracking airspace, managing traffic and monitoring weather, creating the advanced Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) testing capabilities needed to ensure secure flights in urban areas.

“The SAFE-T project will bridge critical gaps in the current testing and regulatory landscape,” said Jennifer Hankins, managing director of Tulsa Innovation Labs. “This technology standardizes safety and risk mitigation to accelerate the safe, nationwide adoption of autonomous systems, helping innovators like Manna scale commercial drone delivery across the United States.”

How it works

Manna operates automated, remotely monitored drones that deliver orders safely and efficiently in minutes by lowering the package on a tether, no landing required. The platform lets retailers and restaurants deliver directly to customers’ homes, offering a faster, more convenient and more sustainable alternative to traditional road-based delivery. The technology is designed to complement existing delivery networks while reducing congestion and lowering transport emissions.

“Manna Air Delivery’s investment in Tulsa is a testament to our city’s growing reputation as a place where innovation and opportunity thrive,” Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols said. “We’re excited to welcome a company that is creating jobs, advancing new technology, and helping shape the future of our community. We look forward to partnering with Manna as they continue to grow in Tulsa.”

Tulsa represents the next chapter in Manna’s American journey. The city will become home to the company’s first full-scale metropolitan drone delivery operation, with plans to introduce commercial deliveries to local consumers and businesses as operations continue to expand.

The Tulsa launch will provide the foundation for Manna’s wider U.S. rollout, demonstrating how autonomous drone delivery can transform everyday logistics by providing faster, more convenient and more sustainable deliveries while supporting local businesses and creating high-quality American jobs.

“As we continue building Tulsa into a leading hub for advanced drone technology and autonomous systems, we identified Manna as an ideal partner to help bring that vision to life,” said Louie Napoleone, director of business recruitment at Tulsa Local Ventures. “Manna’s decision to select Tulsa as the location for its first full-scale U.S. operations and manufacturing hub is a powerful validation of the opportunity to attract global companies to our region. We appreciate the support of The Tulsa Regional Chamber, the City of Tulsa, PartnerTulsa, Tulsa Innovation Labs and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to make this happen.”

The U.S. expansion complements Manna’s continued commitment to Ireland, where the company remains headquartered and continues to invest in research, engineering, manufacturing, product development, regulation and commercial operations. As an Irish company, Manna is proud to bring home-grown innovation to the world’s largest market while continuing to build and grow its capabilities at home. The company expects its Tulsa operation to become the foundation of a broader U.S. expansion, while Ireland remains Manna’s global headquarters and the center for research, engineering and technology development.

About Manna

Manna is an Irish aviation technology company building the future of drone delivery. Headquartered in Ireland, Manna has developed one of the world’s most advanced autonomous delivery platforms, completing hundreds of thousands of commercial deliveries safely and efficiently. The company combines cutting-edge aircraft technology, advanced software and aviation expertise to deliver food, groceries, pharmacy products and other everyday essentials directly to customers within minutes. Manna continues to expand internationally, bringing Irish innovation to communities around the world. More information is available at online at www.manna.aero

About Tulsa Local Ventures

Tulsa Local Ventures, an initiative of the George Kaiser Family Foundation, partners with high-growth, innovation-driven companies whose long-term goals align with Tulsa’s strategic

economic development priorities. Through a highly personalized, relationship-driven approach, Tulsa Local Ventures connects prospective companies with the region’s business, civic and innovation leaders to support long-term growth and success.