Amazon confirmed to Nexstar’s KTXL on Friday that it has officially begun using drones to deliver packages to customers in Lockeford, California, and College Station, Texas.
Six months after its initial announcement in June 2022, the service in Lockeford has officially begun.
“Our aim is to safely introduce our drones to the skies. We are starting in these communities and will gradually expand deliveries to more customers over time,” Natalie Banke, Amazon Air spokesperson said.
Amazon has been collaborating with the Federal Aviation Administration and local officials in both Lockeford and College Station to launch its drone delivery service, which it refers to as Prime Air.
After a customer has been “onboarded” and placed an order for a package, the business claims that a drone will fly to the customer’s backyard, descend far enough to drop off the package, and then fly away. Amazon representatives stated in a blog post earlier this year that the objective is to deliver packages under 5 pounds within 60 minutes.
Last month, the organization flaunted plans for a new wave of drones expected to deliver packages starting at some point in 2024.
When drone delivery is available in their area, the business will let customers know.
Amazon received FAA safety certification to operate in Lockeford, which is approximately 50 miles south of Sacramento, and College Station, which is near Houston and is home to Texas A&M University’s main campus.