Amazon Unleashes Drone Delivery in UK, Starting with Prime Members

Amazon has launched its Prime Air drone delivery service in the UK for the first time. The company's fulfillment center in Darlington, England is now operating drones to deliver packages within a 7.5-mile radius.

The MK30 drone, which stands at five feet tall with a wingspan of five and a half feet, can carry packages weighing up to five pounds. Prime Air in the UK is currently available to customers with a garden or yard who are within 12 kilometers of the Darlington fulfillment center.

Amazon's country manager for the UK, John Boumphrey, said 'I'm proud that Darlington is the first Prime Air location outside the U.S., and that UK customers are now experiencing this.' The company has been testing its drone delivery service since 2023 and has undergone over 5,100 test flights.

The MK30 drone uses sophisticated detect-and-avoid technology to ensure safety during flight. It can fly at speeds of up to 70mph and is quieter than an average delivery van. The drone returns to the fulfillment center after delivering a package.