Amazon is set to expand its Prime Air drone delivery service to the West Valley of the Phoenix Metro Area in Arizona, marking a significant step in the program's evolution. The service will operate out of the Tolleson, AZ, Same-Day Delivery site, integrating fully into Amazon’s existing delivery network.
Since launching drone deliveries in College Station, Texas, and Lockeford, California, in 2022, Amazon has successfully delivered thousands of items, including prescription medications through Amazon Pharmacy, to customers in less than an hour. Feedback from these communities has been overwhelmingly positive, prompting further expansion.
The new drone delivery operations in Tolleson will be based at a hybrid site—part fulfillment center, part delivery station—allowing for rapid sorting and dispatching of goods. This proximity to large metropolitan areas facilitates faster delivery times, a crucial advantage as Amazon aims to offer same-day delivery on millions of items.
Local officials, including Tolleson’s mayor, Juan F. Rodriguez, and Phoenix mayor, Kate Gallego, have expressed strong support for Amazon’s expansion. Mayor Rodriguez praised Amazon for bringing both innovation and economic opportunities to the community. Similarly, Mayor Gallego highlighted the environmental benefits of drone delivery, noting its potential to reduce local pollution and its alignment with Phoenix's commitment to innovative technology.
However, the expansion comes with some trade-offs. Amazon has decided to close its delivery site in Lockeford, though it assures that all current employees will be offered positions at other sites. The company remains committed to its operations in College Station and plans to open additional locations in the U.S. in 2025.
In preparation for the broader rollout, Amazon is conducting flight tests on the new MK30 drone, designed to operate in more densely populated areas and adverse weather conditions, including light rain. This drone promises quieter operation, enhanced safety features, and the ability to cover twice the distance of current models.
As Amazon continues to refine its drone technology and expand its delivery capabilities, the upcoming launch in the Phoenix Metro Area represents a pivotal development in the future of urban delivery services.
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