Amazon reveals location for launch of UK drone delivery service
Amazon reveals location for launch of UK drone delivery service
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Amazon plans to begin launching drone deliveries in the UK as part of a trial. The US tech giant said the drone service, called Prime Air, is already operating in two locations in the US, delivering packages in 60 minutes or less using a fleet of Amazon-designed, built and operated drones.
The company said it was submitting a planning application to build drone flight operations at its fulfilment centre on the outskirts of Darlington, and was seeking clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for the flights. Amazon said it was "ready and excited to make drone delivery a reality for our UK customers," starting from the Teesside town of Darlington.
"We have built safe and reliable drone delivery services elsewhere in the world in close partnership with regulators and the communities we serve, and we are working to do the same in the UK," a spokesperson said. "We are announcing that Prime Air is taking steps to start planning for initial flights from our fulfilment centre in Darlington.
"While there is still much work to do, this is an exciting step forward.". The company said once it had planning permission and CAA clearance, it would begin hiring employees to launch drone delivery. It also pledged to engage with the local community for feedback, and will hold a community event at the start of next month.
