Amazon gears up for drone delivery in Richmond area
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Prime Air MK30 neighborhood drone. Image: Courtesy of Amazon
Amazon is revving up to bring drone delivery to the Richmond area.
Why it matters: The service — already available in 10 U.S. cities — promises to get some orders to customers in as little as 30 minutes.
Driving the news: The online retail giant is hosting a community meet-and-greet on Thursday at Richmond Raceway to discuss its Prime Air plans for Greater Richmond, Henrico and Hanover, the company announced last week.
The big picture: After launching drone delivery in 2022, Amazon plans to bring the service to 500 U.S. metros by the end of the year, per the company, likely including Richmond.
- "Nearly all items" that weigh 5 pounds or less and fit in a large shoebox are eligible. Most arrive in an hour or less.
- Drone delivery is available during daylight and in favorable weather.
- Amazon didn't respond to Axios' request for more information on a Richmond launch date or specific delivery areas.
How it works: Drones deploy from an Amazon fulfillment center and deliver within a 7.5-mile radius of the center, per the company.
- The drones fly autonomously along programmed flight paths, and FAA-certified employees monitor each flight from launch to landing, reports Axios Detroit, where the service launched in November.
- Drones descend to within 13 feet of the ground before releasing the package.
- The drone delivery fee is $4.99 for non-Prime members or $2.99 for members. Prime members get free delivery on orders over $50.
By the numbers: The drones fly at 70 mph, 200–380 feet above the ground, per Axios Kansas City, which got the service in February.
- They're 5½ feet tall and can weigh up to 80 pounds with a package.
The intrigue: The drones are also fully electric and produce zero exhaust emissions when flying, per Amazon.
- Their use is part of the company's goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Between the lines: The drones aren't without controversy. The buzzing aircraft prompted noise complaints from some suburban Detroit residents, plus gripes about low flying and frequent trips.
- Local officials there said they're limited in what they can do because FAA rules largely govern drone operations.
What's next: The Prime Air open house will be held Thursday, 4-8pm, in the Richmond Raceway Torque Club.