Amazon chooses Darlington for first UK drone delivery service
- Amazon has announced that its drone delivery service will begin in Darlington, England, after 18 months of preparations.
- The service aims to deliver packages to customers within 30 minutes using autonomous drones.
- If successful, this initiative could expand across the UK, signifying a major technological advancement for the region.
In 2023, Amazon announced plans to introduce its drone delivery service, Prime Air, in Darlington, England, marking the company's first foray into drone deliveries in the UK. The Teesside town was selected following an 18-month campaign led by Lord Houchen, focusing on showcasing the region's potential for innovative tech projects. The Prime Air service aims to provide same-day deliveries within 30 minutes, using autonomous drones designed and operated by Amazon. To facilitate this, the company is seeking planning permission and clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to perform test flights from its fulfillment centre in the area. Amazon's intentions included submitting a planning application to build the necessary operational facilities for the drone deliveries at their Darlington site. This application is currently pending approval, and once granted, Amazon will proceed with the implementation of its operations and begin hiring employees to manage the drone delivery service. The company is committed to engaging local residents through community events to gather feedback regarding their new delivery model. Lord Houchen emphasized the significance of this project for the local economy, highlighting that it would create high-quality jobs and generate multi-million-pound investments. He expressed optimism about Teesside’s capabilities in leading technological advancements, asserting that keeping pace with global innovation is essential for the region’s growth. The local airport has also been a key player in supporting Amazon's efforts, providing crucial guidance about air operations in the region to ensure a smooth rollout. The Prime Air service has been operational in the US since 2022, where it successfully completed deliveries in under an hour using a fleet of specialized drones. With significant positive public and regulatory experiences in other markets, Amazon is now focused on similar success in the UK. As the regulatory framework evolves, the tech giant aims to work in tandem with the CAA to establish a solid foundation for commercial drone deliveries, demonstrating both a commitment to the safety of its operations and a responsiveness to community concerns.