Amazon isn’t giving up on Jeff Bezos’ drone deliveries dream—and after 13 years of turbulence, the momentum is finally shifting
The e-commerce giant announced it is expanding drone delivery to nearly 500 U.S. cities and towns by the end of this year, a sixfold increase from its current capabilities.
Thirteen years after Jeff Bezos unveiled Amazon's first delivery drone, the company is making progress on its ambitious plan to deliver packages through the air to customers worldwide. Amazon has announced plans to expand its drone delivery services to nearly 500 U.S. cities and towns by the end of the year, more than six times its current network footprint.
The service, which currently operates in only a handful of locations, offers free delivery for Prime members who spend $50 or more and a $2.99 fee for other customers. Drones, which weigh no more than five pounds, can make deliveries in as little as 30 minutes from Amazon fulfillment centers. However, the drones' range is limited to a radius of around seven miles, and they only operate in suburban areas to avoid obstacles like tall buildings.
Despite the setbacks, Amazon remains committed to its drone delivery vision, signaling that it is still serious about making Jeff Bezos' 2013 prediction a reality. The company's drone delivery operations currently include San Antonio, Texas; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Kansas City, Kansas; and eight other areas. Amazon's Prime Air boss, David Carbon, stated that the service is still a work in progress but that the company is focused on advancing battery and sound technology to improve the drone's capabilities.
If the delivery range expands from seven miles to 15 miles, Amazon could reach more rural areas as well. Regulatory hurdles, costly technology, and complaints from local residents have hindered the progress of drone delivery, but the company continues to push forward.
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