Amazon Expands Drone Delivery to 500 US Cities in Push for Faster Shipping

Amazon is expanding its drone delivery service to nearly 500 US cities by the end of the year. The expansion will allow customers in suburban areas to receive lightweight packages, weighing up to 5 pounds, in as little as 30 minutes.

The company's plan aims to intensify the competition with Walmart for the fastest delivery times. Amazon's drone delivery operation will cover hundreds of new communities, including Chicago, Atlanta, Cleveland, and Boise metro areas.

Drone delivery is still a small factor in package delivery, handling only a fraction of the hundreds of millions of deliveries each year. The service faces challenges such as tree cover, landscaping, and inflatable pools that can make it hard to find a suitable drop zone.

The Federal Aviation Administration has certified Amazon for drone operations, and the company has invested in safety measures to avoid collisions with other airborne objects.