The company has unveiled its latest drone technology to be used for shopping in the UK, which it says will be quieter, fly further and withstand different weather conditions.
 |
| Amazon is to re-introduce drones in the UK next year. Image: AP |
Amazon will relaunch its delivery drones in Britain next year, the shopping giant has confirmed.
The company said it will start using drones to distribute products from some of its same-day delivery sites, one of which will be in the UK.
The location has not been disclosed.
It's part of an expansion of drones on the retail side of the business, a third state in Italy and the US. Drones are already operating in California and Texas.
The company trialled an early version of the Prime Air delivery system in Cambridgeshire in 2016.
However, Amazon said it would no longer use separate centers and instead integrate the drones into its existing network.
The company said in a statement: “As part of our continued efforts to innovate for customers, we are excited to announce the international expansion of Prime Air shipping for the first time outside of the United States.
“We've been delivering packages with drones in California and Texas for almost a year.
“We have built a safe and secure delivery service and have worked very closely with regulators and communities.
"We will continue that partnership in the future to ensure we meet the needs of our customers and the communities we serve."
He added that he was working with the government and aviation authorities to allow drones back into UK airspace.
Amazon has unveiled its newest delivery drone known as the MK30. It is said to be quieter, twice as far, and able to fly in all kinds of weather.
Aviation Minister Baroness Vere said: “Amazon's announcement today is a fantastic example of government and industry working together to achieve our shared vision of commercial drones in the UK by 2030.
"Not only will this boost the economy, but we'll also build our understanding of how best to use new technology safely while giving consumers more choice while helping to clean up the environment with pollution-free technology."
Frederic Laugere, head of innovation advisory services at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said: “Exploring how drones can be safely and successfully introduced into UK airspace is key.
"These projects are critical to providing the overall knowledge and experience that will soon allow drones to operate beyond their pilot's line of sight," he said. Equitable Use of the Air by Other Users."
