Amazon has applied to the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for permission to initiate drone deliveries from its warehouse in Darlington, County Durham. The company plans to establish a team to manage same-day deliveries under its Prime Air service. If granted approval, customers within a 7.5-mile radius of the warehouse could opt for drone delivery, contingent upon a home inspection and the installation of a designated landing pad.
This move aligns with Amazon’s broader strategy to expand its drone delivery services, which are already operational in select locations in the United States and Italy. The company has previously conducted trials in the UK, completing its first commercial drone delivery in Cambridge nearly eight years ago. However, the initiative has faced challenges, including recent drone crashes in Oregon.
The proposed expansion in the UK is part of a wider industry effort to integrate drone deliveries into regular operations. Other organizations, such as Royal Mail and BT, are also exploring the use of drones for deliveries and infrastructure inspections. The CAA has selected six projects to test the use of drones beyond the visual line of sight, aiming to develop appropriate policies and regulations for their safe integration into UK airspace.
Amazon’s Prime Air service aims to deliver packages weighing up to 5 pounds within 30 minutes. The company has developed the MK30 drone model, which has been updated to handle rainy weather conditions, a feature essential for operations in the British climate. The launch of this service in the UK is still pending approval from the CAA and local planning permissions.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen expressed pride in the region hosting the UK’s first Amazon drone service, highlighting the area’s innovative and proactive approach.
As Amazon awaits regulatory approval, the company emphasizes its readiness and excitement to bring drone delivery to the UK, highlighting successful collaborations with regulators in other regions.
