Amazon to trial drone deliveries in the UK by the end of the year
Amazon has been given the go-ahead to begin a test of drone parcel deliveries in the UK.
The retailer is one of six organisations chosen by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for a trial to expand drone use in the country,
Amazon expects to be launching its Prime Air Service for the delivery of parcels weighing under 5lb by the end of the year. Deliveries are expected to be made within one hour of ordering.
Commenting on the news, David Carbon, Amazon Prime Air vice president and general manager, said: “It’s crucial for general operators like us to have clear regulatory requirements in order to bring and scale new technologies, such as drone delivery, to customers in the UK.
“We appreciate the CAA’s efforts to partner with us to help bring clarity to the regulations that support commercial drone delivery.”
Amazon already has drones flying in the US from sites in California and Texas.
Other projects selected by the CAA to trial drone flights in the UK include those inspecting wind farms and delivering emergency medical supplies.
CAA director of future flight Sophie O’Sullivan said: “These innovative trials mark a significant step forward in integrating drones safely into UK airspace.
“By supporting projects ranging from consumer deliveries to critical infrastructure inspections, we are gathering essential data to shape future policies and regulations.”
The news follows Amazon’s announcement this week that it has opened a new robotic fulfilment centre in Leeds.
