Amazon Expands Drone Delivery to Nearly 500 US Cities
Amazon is expanding its drone delivery service to nearly 500 US cities, with plans to cover millions of customers. The expansion will see Amazon's drone delivery operation increase by more than sixfold nationwide, targeting suburban areas and cities such as Chicago, Atlanta, Cleveland, and Boise. Customers can expect delivery times of up to 30 minutes for packages weighing up to 5 pounds.
The service will be free for Amazon Prime members ordering over $50 worth of goods, but smaller orders will cost members $2.99. Non-members will pay $4.99 for drone delivery. This expansion intensifies the competition between Amazon and Walmart in providing fast delivery times, with both companies relying on a mix of drones and drivers.
Amazon's CEO Andy Jassy believes that drone delivery will be part of the company's mix, with plans to serve communities with 30 million customers by year-end. The Federal Aviation Administration has certified Amazon for drone operations, and the company has invested in safety measures to prevent collisions. However, regulatory hurdles and noise concerns may pose challenges for the service.