Amazon Launches Drone Delivery Trial in UK Town

Amazon has launched its first drone delivery service in the UK, starting with a limited rollout in Darlington, County Durham.

The retailer is delivering packages weighing under 2.2 kg (5 lbs) within a 12 km (7.5 mile) radius of its fulfilment centre. The service targets small, everyday items such as beauty products, batteries and cables, with deliveries arriving within two hours.

How the service works Amazon is using its MK30 drones, which the company says can carry out up to 10 flights per hour, or about 100 deliveries a day. The drones use sensors to avoid obstacles and GPS to determine where to release packages.

Packages are dropped from a height of about 3.6 metres (12 feet). Deliveries are currently limited to customers who have a garden or yard where packages can be dropped.

Approvals and limits The trial is operating with temporary planning permission and Civil Aviation Authority approval through the end of the year.

Amazon has said scaling drone deliveries in densely populated urban areas remains challenging. The company has referenced past incidents, including an MK30 drone hitting an apartment building in Texas asourceser losing GPS signal.

Why Darlington Amazon said Darlington was chosen because it offers a mix of residential areas, major roads and proximity to an airport, allowing the company to test the system in a range of conditions.

Amazon said it plans to expand the programme over time, building on its drone delivery operations in five US states.