Amazon expands its drone delivery program again – with more cities coming soon

Since debuting in 2022, Amazon’s drone delivery program has delivered thousands of household items, tech supplies, and everyday essentials in an hour or less.

Now, customers in the West Valley area of Phoenix are eligible for Prime Air.

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In a post this week, Amazon announced the expansion of its drone delivery service to a new service area. If you live near the Tolleson, Arizona delivery site, Amazon says, you can purchase more than 50,000 eligible items weighing under 5 pounds and have them delivered to your home by a drone in less than an hour.

The company is using its MK30 model drone, which flies up to 50 mph at an altitude of 400 feet. Not only is it a quieter option than previous models, but Amazon claims, it can fly twice as far. It also has safety features that allow it to deliver “beyond the line of sight” to smaller backyards and densely populated areas and “sense and avoid” technology that allows it to detect and avoid obstacles including people, pets, and property.

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The FAA granted Amazon clearance to fly drones in the area less than a week ago. 

According to Amazon, the drones will deploy from a facility next to an existing same-day delivery site. These smaller sites are part delivery stations, and part fulfillment centers, and allow the company to get purchases to customers even faster than usual.

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Drone deliveries aren’t offered at night or during adverse weather, and Amazon will only deliver a single item at a time. When you place your first delivery order, you’ll see an aerial photo of your home that shows three potential delivery spots. When you confirm your spot, that will be where all future deliveries land until you change it.

Walmart has a similar program that makes deliveries in Texas. Amazon says new cities will open for drone delivery next year.