FAA Approves Prime Air Drone Delivery Center Expansion in Connecticut
Amazon's plans for drone delivery in Connecticut have reached a key milestone as the Federal Aviation Administration has asked the state to review its proposed Prime Air Drone Delivery Center in North Haven. The FAA submitted its request on August 17, and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will accept public comment until October 1. Once approved, customers within the facility's coverage area could select Prime Air for their orders if their property is eligible and the products qualify.
Prime Air launched nationwide near the end of 2022, with initial testing in two communities. The service has since expanded to 13 locations in nine states, with four more listed as 'coming soon' on Amazon's website. Amazon plans to serve 'nearly 500 cities and towns' by the end of 2026.
The company touts Prime Air deliveries in as quick as 30 minutes using its MK30 drones that fly autonomously from delivery centers to customers, with a range of about 15 miles on one charge. This could give coverage from the North Haven facility to much of Hamden and Wallingford, barring properties with obstructions like power lines or trees and restricted air spaces.