Tech Amazon to test Prime Air drone delivery service in the UK

16.08.2024

Amazon and six other organizations have been chosen to participate in a U.K. trial aimed at expanding the use of drones.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced that the trial will explore integrating drones that operate beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) of their operators into U.K. airspace. This marks a significant step as drone operators will no longer need to maintain visual contact with their drones.

These BVLOS flights will rely on advanced navigation, control systems, and aircraft detection technologies, according to the CAA.

The trial includes projects such as remote infrastructure services like inspections for offshore wind farms, flights over the North Sea, and delivering emergency medical supplies.

“Our aim is to ensure drone operations beyond visual line of sight become a routine and safe part of the U.K.’s airspace, incorporating cutting-edge technology,” said Sophie O’Sullivan, director of future flight at the CAA.

During the trial, data will be collected on how drones detect and avoid other aircraft and on the communication systems that make them visible to air traffic controllers and other airspace users.

Simon Masters, deputy director of the Future Flight Challenge at U.K. Research and Innovation, emphasized the transformative potential of these flights, especially for services in remote areas. He also highlighted the importance of this trial for the CAA’s broader Airspace Modernisation Strategy.

Amazon’s drone delivery service, Prime Air, was spearheaded by founder Jeff Bezos more than a decade ago. Although Amazon has plans to offer drone deliveries in the U.K. and Italy by late 2024, they currently lack operational approval in the U.K.

David Carbon, Vice President of Amazon Prime Air, stressed the need for clear regulatory frameworks to scale drone delivery services. He praised the CAA for its collaboration in developing regulations to support this technology.

Prime Air has already launched in select U.S. cities for packages under five pounds but has encountered regulatory challenges and internal setbacks, including layoffs and executive departures. The service also faces competition from Alphabet’s Wing and Walmart, which has partnered with Zipline for drone deliveries.