By the end of 2026, Amazon plans to extend its drone delivery service to around 500 US communities
By the end of 2026, Amazon plans to sixfold its drone delivery network in the US, covering almost 500 cities and towns. The firm said in a statement on Wednesday that it will be able to deliver groceries, gadgets, and prescription drugs in as little as 30 minutes.
Currently, the service—known as Prime Air—runs out of 11 locations in ten major cities across seven states: Arizona, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, and Texas. The cities of Chicago (Illinois), Atlanta (Georgia), Cleveland (Ohio), Syracuse (New York), and Boise (Idaho) are anticipated to host its launch in the upcoming months.
According to the statement, the best-case scenario is delivery within 30 minutes, but most goods arrive an hour after checkout.
Weight sets the limit; only orders under 2.27 kgs that fit in a large shoebox are ship. According to Amazon, covers more than 60% of the items its customers buy most frequently.
Air delivery is free for Prime subscribers who spend fifty dollars or more, costs $2.99 for those who spend less, and $4.99 for non-Prime members.
The customer sets a delivery point the first time they order this service. The drone checks that there are no people, pets, or vehicles in the area before dropping off the package, the company explained.
Amazon has delivered hundreds of thousands of packages by drone so far this year, according to its own data.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which regulates U.S. airspace, was for years the main obstacle to this service. But now they have Part 135 certification, the same required of commercial airlines; therefore, Amazon’s drones autonomously monitor the airspace to avoid obstacles and decide where to land.
