Amazon’s Prime Air Drone Delivery Program
Amazon has announced updates to its Prime Air drone delivery program. The company is winding down its drone delivery program in Lockeford, California, one of the early testing zones for the service. However, Amazon is also launching a new Prime Air location in Tolleson, Arizona. The new location is expected to provide same-day deliveries to residents in the West Valley Phoenix metro area. Amazon expects to begin operations in Arizona later this year.
Amazon did not provide a clear reason for closing the Lockeford location. However, employees at the Lockeford location will be offered opportunities at other sites. Amazon will continue Prime Air operations in College Station, Texas, and plans to open new locations in 2025.
Amazon’s latest MK30 drone is still undergoing testing. The MK30 drone is lighter and can fly through light rain. Amazon had hoped to use the MK30 drone in operations this year. However, the company has faced setbacks with its drone delivery service over the years.
Amazon had an early head start on drone delivery compared to its competitors. However, the company has fallen behind in recent years. In 2013, then-CEO Jeff Bezos said drone deliveries were just ‘a few years away’. However, the company has only made a limited number of drone deliveries to date.
