Amazon Finally Set to Launch Drone Deliveries Widespread in US

The first time it was unveiled to the public was on 60 Minutes, to jaw-dropping reactions.  That was 2013, and now finally Amazon says they are ready.

    500 US Cities, Metro Areas Make the First List

For years, Jeff Bezos’ vision was to have armies of delivery drones, dropping off packages in yards, porches (where accessible) and driveways and more.

Now Geekwire is reporting it’s going to kick off.

  By the End of 2026, They Will Be in Operation

 Amazon announced the drones will be operating in 500 US Markets, sometimes delivering packages in as fast as 30 minutes.  The plan is called Amazon Prime Air, will be available for free for Prime members on orders of $50 or more, non-Prime members will pay $4.99 for the service.

Much of the delay from 2013 was convincing the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and government the idea was safe.  Having thousands of drones buzzing around would need some sort of safety protocol.  There have been some limited beta-testing deliveries in certain areas of the US, but kept under wraps, and not widespread.

But Amazon says the rollouts will begin in the following markets, Chicago, Syracuse New York, Cleveland, Atlanta AND BOISE.

  There Are Limits, for Now, As to What Can Be Delivered

You’re not going to get that weight bench capable of holding a 300 lb.bar via a drone. Amazon’s criteria for drone delivery is if it can fit in a shoebox, weighs five pounds or less, and can be safely packaged, it can be on its way.

No specific target date has been set, but Amazon said “soon”…No word if Seattle is on the list of 500.  And, we are pretty sure the regions in these communities where drone delivery will be available have been scouted for safety, security and ease of operations.