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Amazon to expand Prime Air drone delivery to nearly 500 US cities
Amazon has announced a major expansion of its Prime Air drone delivery service, aiming to reach nearly 500 U.S. cities and towns by the end of 2026. This represents a sixfold increase from its current operations, which are active in 11 locations across seven states, including Arizona, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, and Texas.
The service utilizes highly autonomous MK30 drones capable of delivering lightweight packages weighing up to 5 pounds (approximately 2.3 kg) in as little as 30 minutes. The expansion will target suburban areas to avoid the complexities of skyscrapers and major airports, with upcoming launches planned for metropolitan areas such as Chicago, Atlanta, Cleveland, Syracuse, and Boise.
Amazon’s drone initiative, which holds FAA Part 135 certification, allows for flight beyond the visual line of sight. The service is integrated into the existing Amazon app and offers free delivery for Prime members on orders of $50 or more, while smaller orders and non-member deliveries incur fees. This move intensifies the competition with Walmart as both retailers seek to optimize last-mile logistics through autonomous technology.
Entities
Amazon · David Carbon · Federal Aviation Administration · Jeff Bezos · Prime Air · Walmart