Amazon’s much-anticipated Prime Air drone service just got the all-clear from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to buzz across the skies in Arizona’s Phoenix metro area, kicking off a new era for the company’s delivery fleet.
The tech giant has begun using its latest drone model, the MK30, which boasts improved range and can even handle light rain, in Tolleson, a city just outside Phoenix. Now, some West Valley residents can expect their online orders to arrive from above — as long as they don’t weigh more than five pounds and the weather’s friendly.
The FAA approval marks a critical win for Prime Air, allowing the MK30 to operate beyond a pilot’s line of sight, an essential step in scaling the program. Amazon had previously received similar clearance in Texas, but this Arizona approval lets Amazon leap into the next phase of drone deliveries.
Phoenix residents who live near Amazon’s Tolleson warehouse can now select drone delivery on a range of items, from household essentials to health and beauty products. According to Amazon, this includes around 50,000 items — all under five pounds. Once ordered, products should arrive at doorsteps in about an hour, making it an ultra-fast (and sky-high) alternative to the company’s regular delivery services. Don’t expect drone deliveries at night or during bad weather, though; Amazon’s drones will only operate in daylight and favorable conditions.
Prime Air’s Ten-Year Path to Today’s Launch
Prime Air’s journey to the skies has been a long one, starting over a decade ago when founder Jeff Bezos unveiled the program, initially predicting it could take flight within five years.
Since then, Amazon has invested billions to bring the service to life, navigating regulatory hurdles, staff shakeups, and cost-cutting rounds. In a sign of Amazon’s renewed commitment, the company brought in David Carbon, a former Boeing executive, to get Prime Air back on track.
After pulling back from an earlier test site in Lockeford, California, Amazon hopes Arizona will be a strong proving ground for Prime Air as it eyes further expansion, even looking to launch in Europe.
Growing Competition in the Drone Space
The competition in the drone delivery space remains fierce, with companies like Google-owned Wing, UPS, Walmart, and various startups also vying to optimize drone delivery technology and capture consumer interest. With FAA approval finally in hand, Amazon’s drones may yet start to make waves in everyday deliveries — assuming they can dodge any further turbulence.
Featured Image courtesy of Amazon
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