Amazon launches drone delivery in Europe

Amazon announced plans to use drones while delivering packages to customers in the United Kingdom and Italy starting next year, with services set to commence at undisclosed locations before the end of 2024. Selected customers will be able to have items weighing up to approximately 2 kilograms delivered to their gardens by a drone.

Trial areas

Currently, Amazon offers drone deliveries in two states in the United States for goods weighing up to 2.2 kilograms. For the European expansion, Amazon is closely collaborating with European and national authorities to adhere to regulations. The company will soon reveal the first trial areas where drone delivery will be available for customers.

“The company will soon reveal the first trial areas where drone delivery will be available for customers.”

Ordering process

During the ordering process, customers can opt for drone delivery if it is available in their area. After completing the order, the drone will fly to the customer’s garden and deliver the package, then return.

David Carbon, Vice President of Amazon Prime Air, states: “There is a high demand for this technology. Customers can choose from thousands of items weighing 2.2 kilograms or less, ranging from dish soap and toothbrushes to beauty products and batteries, as long as the ordered products fit in a shoebox-sized package.”

Use of GPS

Customers interested in drone delivery must be approved first. The drone requires ample open space to deliver a package from a height of about 3.6 meters. In the United States, a customer places a marker with a QR code on the lawn to guide the drone to the delivery spot. In the United Kingdom, Amazon is planning to use markerless delivery, with drones identifying delivery locations using GPS.

“The drone requires ample open space to deliver a package from a height of about 3.6 meters.”

The deliveries will be handled by a smaller and quieter MK30 drone unveiled by Amazon by the end of 2023. This drone can operate in light rain and wind and travel up to 12 kilometers for a delivery.