Amazon Unveils European Drone Delivery Plans
In a groundbreaking announcement, Amazon has revealed its ambitious plan to introduce drone delivery services in the United Kingdom and Italy as early as next year, with service expansion expected at undisclosed locations across Europe before the close of 2024. This innovative initiative will cater to select customers, allowing them to have packages weighing up to approximately 2 kilograms swiftly and efficiently delivered to their gardens via drones.
Trial Areas and Regulatory Compliance
Currently, Amazon provides drone deliveries in a few states within the United States, specifically for goods weighing up to 2.2 kilograms. For the forthcoming European expansion, Amazon is working closely with both European and national regulatory authorities to ensure full compliance with the necessary regulations. The company is poised to unveil the initial trial areas where drone delivery services will be made available to customers in the near future.
Streamlined Ordering Process
The ordering process for drone delivery will be seamless, with customers having the option to select this innovative service if it’s available in their area. Once an order is confirmed, a drone will take flight, navigating its way to the customer’s garden to complete the delivery before returning to its base.
David Carbon, Vice President of Amazon Prime Air, emphasized the high demand for this cutting-edge technology. Customers will have access to a wide range of products weighing 2.2 kilograms or less, spanning from household items like dish soap and toothbrushes to beauty products and batteries, as long as they can fit within a compact shoebox-sized package.
Stringent Approval and Advanced GPS Usage
Customers seeking drone delivery must first obtain approval. Drones require ample open space to safely descend from a height of approximately 3.6 meters. In the United States, customers mark their preferred delivery spot with a QR code placed in their lawn, which guides the drone to its designated location. In the United Kingdom, Amazon is planning to implement markerless delivery, where drones will employ GPS technology to pinpoint precise delivery locations.
Next-Generation MK30 Drones
To facilitate this revolutionary service, Amazon will introduce the MK30 drone, designed to be smaller and quieter, by the end of 2023. These advanced drones can efficiently operate in light rain and wind conditions and have a delivery range of up to 12 kilometers, ensuring timely and reliable deliveries for Amazon customers.
