Amazon Aims for Widespread Delivery Drone Service Expansion
Amazon is accelerating its Prime Air delivery drone service expansion to reach nearly 500 cities and towns across the United States by the end of 2026, a sixfold increase from current operations. The company already offers delivery drone services in 10 cities across seven states, primarily suburban neighborhoods.
The Amazon Prime Air expansion comes as competitor Walmart teams up with companies Wing and Zipline to scale up its own delivery drone service. Walmart recently celebrated the milestone of surpassing 1 million drone deliveries after operating from 66 stores across four states and is looking to expand that service footprint to more than 270 Walmart stores by 2027.
Delivery drones are capable of handling nearly all items weighing five pounds or less, but strong winds, heavy rain or snow, and extreme cold can prevent them from operating. However, residents have raised concerns about safety, privacy, and especially noise pollution in neighborhoods serviced by drones.