Amazon is set to participate in a new trial in the United Kingdom to expand the use of drones for commercial deliveries. The country’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced that Amazon, along with six other organizations, will be part of a trial focusing on integrating drones that can operate beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) of their operators into U.K. airspace. This marks a significant step in drone technology, where operators no longer need to maintain direct visual contact with their drones.
These BVLOS flights will utilize advanced navigation and control technologies, as well as systems to detect and avoid other aircraft. The trial will also focus on gathering data on these drones’ ability to send electronic signals, making them visible to other airspace users and air traffic control. The projects involved in this trial include services for remote infrastructure, such as inspections of offshore wind farms, flights over the North Sea, and the delivery of emergency medical supplies.
Sophie O’Sullivan, director of future flight at the U.K. CAA, stated that the goal is to make BVLOS drone operations a safe and regular occurrence, contributing to the modernization of U.K. airspace and the integration of new technology. Simon Masters, deputy director of the future flight challenge at U.K. Research and Innovation, noted that these drone flights have the potential to revolutionize goods delivery and service provision, particularly in less connected regions, and are a key part of the CAA’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy.
Amazon’s involvement in the trial is tied to its Prime Air drone delivery service, a project initiated by founder Jeff Bezos over a decade ago. The company announced last year that customers in the U.K. and Italy would have the option of drone deliveries by late 2024, though Amazon does not yet have permission to operate drones in the U.K. David Carbon, vice president and general manager of Amazon Prime Air, emphasized the importance of clear regulatory requirements to scale such technologies in the U.K., expressing appreciation for the CAA’s efforts in clarifying these regulations.
Prime Air has already launched in the U.S., delivering packages up to five pounds in College Station, Texas, and Lockeford, California. However, the program has faced challenges, including regulatory obstacles, delays, and the departure of key executives. In the U.S., a significant number of Prime Air workers were laid off last year during Amazon’s largest round of layoffs. Prime Air also faces competition from other companies, including Wing, a subsidiary of Google parent Alphabet, and Walmart, which has partnered with Zipline for drone deliveries.
Featured Image courtesy of About Amazon
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