David Carbon, Vice President of Prime Air, talks about drone delivery during Amazon's "Delivering the Future" event at the company's BFI1 Fulfillment Center, Robotics Research and Development Hub in Sumner, Washington on October 18, 2023. (Photo : JASON REDMOND/AFP via Getty Images)
Amazon is set to test its Prime Air drone delivery service in the UK, as part of a new trial announced by the country's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
According to CNBC, the trial will involve Amazon along with six other organizations, exploring the potential for drone operations beyond the visual line of sight. This means that drone operators will not need to maintain visual contact with their aircraft, allowing for greater flexibility in drone operations.
At the same time, the trial aims to assess how drones can safely navigate and integrate into UK airspace, focusing on technologies for detecting and avoiding other aircraft. It will also gather data on the electronic signals necessary for drones to remain visible to air traffic control and other airspace users.
This program is also part of the CAA's Airspace Modernisation Strategy, which seeks to modernize UK airspace and incorporate new technologies for better efficiency and safety.
Applications for Amazone 'Prime Air' Drone Delivery Service
Projects within the trial will test drones for various applications, including remote infrastructure services, offshore wind farm inspections, and emergency medical supply deliveries.
The CAA hopes this trial will pave the way for routine drone operations in the UK, particularly in less connected regions, transforming the delivery and service industries.
Amazon's Prime Air, originally a vision of founder Jeff Bezos, is scheduled to begin delivering packages in the UK and Italy by late 2024. However, Amazon currently lacks the necessary permissions to operate drones in the UK.
The company is now working closely with the CAA to establish clear regulatory requirements that will support the scaling of drone delivery services.