Amazon drone deliveries to be trialled in UK by year’s end
Amazon to launch Prime Air drone deliveries in UK this year
Amazon drones may soon deliver packages to your doorstep after being selected for a trial to expand usage in the UK.
The retailer is one of six organisations chosen by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to test beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flights. This means operators won’t need to maintain physical sight of the drones.
Amazon plans to introduce its Prime Air drone service in the UK by the end of the year, aiming to deliver small packages within an hour of order placement. Amazon drone deliveries are already occurring in Lockeford, California, and College Station, Texas, in the US.
Meanwhile, police are exploring the use of drones in cities to respond faster to emergencies. Drones could be stationed on buildings to provide early information on developing situations. Trials are underway in Norfolk due to limited access to National Police Air Service helicopters, which are stationed far away.
Other CAA-selected projects for BVLOS trials include inspecting offshore wind farms, National Police Air Service operations, air traffic control by Nats, flights from Orkney, and delivering emergency medical supplies. These schemes will utilise advanced technologies for navigation, control, and detection of other aircraft.
Sophie O’Sullivan, CAA director of future of flight, stated these Amazon drone trials represent a significant step in safely integrating drones into UK airspace. They aim to gather essential data to shape future policies and regulations, making BVLOS drone operations a safe and everyday reality.
David Carbon, Amazon Prime Air vice president and general manager, emphasised the importance of clear regulatory requirements for scaling new technologies like drone delivery in the UK. He expressed appreciation for the CAA’s efforts to support commercial drone delivery regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
When will Amazon start drone deliveries in the UK?
Amazon expects to begin trialling its Prime Air service in the UK by the end of the year.
What is BVLOS in drone flights?
BVLOS stands for beyond visual line of sight, meaning operators don’t need to see the drones physically.
Where does Amazon currently offer drone deliveries in the US?
Amazon offers drone deliveries in Lockeford, California, and College Station, Texas.
What are other uses of drones being trialed by the CAA?
Other uses include inspecting offshore wind farms, police operations, air traffic control, and delivering emergency medical supplies.
Why are police considering using drones in cities?
Police are considering drones to respond more quickly to emergencies and gather early information on developing scenes.
