Amazon Prime Air is expanding its drone delivery service to international locations, including Italy and the UK, with more U.S. cities coming soon. These drones can carry packages up to five pounds and have been in use in the U.S. for nearly a year.
Additionally, Amazon Pharmacy now offers rapid drone delivery of prescription medications within 60 minutes in College Station, Texas, at no extra cost.
Amazon has collaborated with regulators globally, including the UK Civil Aviation Authority and Italy’s National Civil Aviation Authority, to ensure the safe expansion of drone delivery. These efforts are driving the future of commercial drone deliveries.
New MK30 Drone for faster and quieter deliveries
Accompanying the expansion is the unveiling of the new MK30 drone design. This advanced model can fly twice as far as its predecessors, reaching customers in remote areas.
The MK30 is quieter and capable of operating in diverse weather conditions, such as light rain and varying temperatures. The MK30’s unique package delivery system ensures the safety of delivered items, protecting them during transit.
Integration into Amazon’s delivery network
In a strategic move, Amazon will integrate drone deliveries into its vast delivery network, allowing customers to have traditional delivery vans, Flex vehicles, and Prime Air drones departing from the same location. This integration aims to streamline the retail experience and provide even faster deliveries.
Customers can browse and order products via Amazon Store+, offering over 1,200 options across Amazon’s portfolio. This service allows customers to choose from items that fit the drones’ size and weight capabilities, ensuring swift and convenient deliveries.
Opting for Amazon Pharmacy’s drone delivery
Amazon Pharmacy customers in College Station, Texas, now have the option to receive their prescription medications via Amazon’s drone delivery service within 60 minutes of ordering, at no extra cost. Over 500 medications for common conditions are available for this rapid service. For urgent health concerns, customers can also access Amazon Clinic or One Medical for virtual and in-person healthcare services.
Efficient and safe drone technology
Amazon’s drones fly at altitudes of 40 to 120 meters, equipped with advanced sense-and-avoid technology that ensures safe navigation. Cameras and neural networks identify obstacles and allow the drone to lower packages accurately. With an FAA air carrier certificate, Amazon’s drone delivery service has been safely delivering household items since December 2022.
These developments reflect Amazon’s ongoing commitment to bringing ultra-fast and reliable drone deliveries to a broader customer base, with the program set to take flight in multiple cities and countries by the end of 2024.