Amazon plans to dramatically expand its Prime Air drone delivery service, saying it expects to reach nearly 500 U.S. cities and towns by the end of 2026 as retailers race to make airborne deliveries a larger part of everyday shopping.
The expansion would increase Prime Air’s footprint sixfold, giving tens of millions more customers access to drone deliveries. Amazon said eligible shoppers can order millions of products, including groceries, electronics, medications and household essentials, with deliveries arriving in as fast as 30 minutes.
The announcement comes as the drone delivery industry appears poised for rapid growth. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed rules that would make it easier for certified operators to fly drones beyond a pilot’s visual line of sight, a change companies say could significantly reduce costs and allow services to expand more quickly, according to Reuters.
Where Is Prime Air Available?
Prime Air currently operates from 11 delivery sites serving metro areas including Phoenix; Tampa, Florida; Kansas City, Kansas; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Detroit; Omaha, Nebraska; Houston; Dallas; San Antonio; and Waco, Texas.
Amazon said service will soon launch in the Chicago, Cleveland, Atlanta, Boise and Syracuse metro areas, with additional communities expected later this year as the company works toward its nationwide expansion goal.
What Can Customers Order?
Most items weighing 5 pounds or less that fit inside a large shoebox are eligible for drone delivery. That includes many groceries, cosmetics, medications, electronics and household products.
Prime members receive free drone delivery on orders of $50 or more. Orders under $50 cost Prime members $2.99, while customers without a Prime membership pay $4.99.
Customers in eligible areas will see the drone delivery option during checkout, select a delivery location on their property and receive their order after the drone confirms the drop zone is clear.
Why Drone Delivery Is Gaining Momentum
Amazon’s expansion comes as federal regulators consider changes that could make it easier for drone operators to scale their networks, Reuters reported. The FAA has proposed rules that would allow certified operators to routinely fly drones beyond a pilot’s visual line of sight, potentially reducing the need for lengthy waiver processes.
How Amazon Says It Keeps Flights Safe
Amazon said Prime Air operates under FAA Part 135 certification, the same regulatory framework used for commercial air carriers. Its drones use onboard cameras and sensors to navigate and avoid obstacles through a Detect-and-Avoid system that independently monitors surrounding airspace.
The company said the cameras are used only for navigation and obstacle detection and are not monitored by people or used to track individuals. Amazon says its drones can also operate in light rain and are fully electric, while each delivery typically produces about 30 seconds of noise during drop-off.
Contributing: Reuters. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY. Reporting by Anthony Thompson, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.
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