Are you excited for drone-based deliveries to become a reality? They’ve been teased for years now, yet there still isn’t a way to get a drone to deliver your packages. That may change soon, though, as Amazon claimed at a Las Vegas conference that drone deliveries will happen “within months.”
Where Will this Be Available?
The details on which areas will get drone deliveries were not revealed. However, Amazon has managed to successfully apply for a drone operating license within the US.
“The FAA issued a Special Airworthiness Certificate to Amazon Prime Air allowing the company to operate its MK27 unmanned aircraft for research and development and crew training in authorized flight areas,” the US Federal Aviation Administration told the British BBC news team.
“Amazon Prime Air plans to use the aircraft to establish a package delivery operation in the United States. This certificate is valid for one year and is eligible for renewal.”
Given that the US is also Amazon’s home base, it makes a lot of sense that North America should be one of the first countries to see Amazon Prime Air. At the same time, Amazon’s first successful test flight of a drone delivery happened in Cambridge, UK, so we may also see it introduced there as well.
What Are the Drone Limitations?
Delivery drones don’t perform deliveries the same way that trucks and vans can. While the flight is a good novelty, the size and airborne limitations of the drone don’t make it suitable for some deliveries.
If Amazon reveals that Prime Air is coming to a locale near you, make sure you fit their requirements when you order. For the drone to reach you, you have to be within a 15 mile radius of a nearby drone distribution center. You also have to order something 5lb (or 2.3kgs) or less in weight.
What Does this Mean for the Future?
Amazon is already a huge force within the ecommerce market. If these new drones are a success, we may see even more of our daily lives revolve around ordering things from the delivery giant.
Of course, if Amazon paves the way for drone deliveries, nothing will stop other companies from using their own drones for deliveries. This is especially handy for companies that specialize in services that Amazon doesn’t do. Can you imagine getting your pizzas delivered via drone, for instance?
If Amazon Prime Air is successful, it could cause one of two things to happen: either the technology is too tricky for others to copy and Amazon rules the skies, or Amazon’s efforts sets the precedent of drone deliveries, which catches on among other companies. Either way, drones have a good chance of becoming our next mode of delivery if this rollout is successful.
Droning On
Amazon has announced that their drone flight delivery system, Amazon Prime Air, is ready to be rolled out within months. If this scheme goes well, we should see it change how we buy items online, whether it’s only with Amazon or with companies across the world.
Do you think Amazon Prime Air will open the sluice gates for other businesses to follow suit? Or will it reinforce Amazon’s position as the top dog? Let us know below.
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