The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given the green light to Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) to expand its Prime Air drone delivery programme, allowing its aircraft to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).
This means Amazon can deliver to customers farther from the drone's launch site. The company's pilots will monitor and control the drones using advanced tracking technology once they are out of sight. Amazon has tested these drones around planes, helicopters, and even hot air balloons to ensure safety.
Amazon plans to expand its MK-27 drone deliveries in the US, beginning with College Station, Texas. This location, northwest of Houston, will be the first to benefit from the expanded service.
Amazon aims to integrate drones into its broader delivery network later this year, with a long-term goal of delivering 500 million packages by drone by 2030. Last month, Amazon halted its delivery drone tests in California and decided to focus on Texas and Arizona instead.
The company introduced its latest delivery drone, the MK-30, in October. This drone can handle light rain and deliver packages weighing up to five pounds in less than an hour.