Are we already living in the future? Getting a package delivered from the sky is becoming closer to reality
According to CNBC, Amazon, the billion-dollar company received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration on Monday August 31, to operate its fleet Prime Air delivery drones. The approval will boost Amazon closer to its mission to “safely get packages to customers in 30 minutes or less using small drones”
Amazon informed that although they’re still testing their drones, the approval is still an important step considering the fact that the Prime Air initiative was announced back in 2013 by Amazon’s CEO Jeff Bezos. However, as reported by The Verge News, the initiative has been delayed due to some challenges they've faced along the way related to hardware limitations, and health and safety concerns.
Nonetheless, in 2016, Amazon made its first drone delivery in Cambridge, England. The package contained an Amazon Fire TV and a bag of popcorn, which were delivered in 13 minutes to the customer. This milestone led the company to submit a petition to the FAA for their Prime Air package deliveries last year. In the petition, they informed that the deliveries would be in areas of low density population, and the packages will weigh about 5 pounds or less.
Amazon also revealed their latest prime delivery drone design at their Re: MARS conference 2019, which includes advances in efficiency, stability, and safety. The drone is capable of transporting packages under 5 pounds and can fly up to 15 miles.
Photo by:Jordan Stead / Amazon
As stated by CNBC, Amazon Prime Air has become the third drone delivery service to win FAA approval joining UPS and Alphabet-owned Wing. Considering the FAA's green-light, Amazon intends to begin making delivery tests, so if you’re an Amazon frequent shopper be on the lookout for this new delivery system.
Sources: CNBC
The Verge