Amazon says it plans to expand its Prime Air drone delivery service to nearly 500 cities and towns across the U.S. by the end of 2026, increasing its reach sixfold.
The company says the service will bring 30-minute delivery options to tens of millions of customers and offer millions of eligible products, including groceries, electronics, medications, cosmetics and household items.
Prime Air currently operates in parts of Arizona, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska and Texas. Amazon says it plans to launch service in additional metro areas, including Chicago, Atlanta, Cleveland, Syracuse and Boise.
Most items weighing 5 pounds or less are eligible for drone delivery. Amazon says more than 60% of the products customers buy most often qualify for the service.
Customers can place orders through the Amazon app, select a delivery location on their property and receive their package by drone, often within an hour.
Amazon says its drones use onboard cameras and sensors to avoid obstacles and operate under Federal Aviation Administration certification. The company says the drones do not track individuals or provide live video monitoring.
The expansion is part of Amazon’s broader effort to speed up deliveries, alongside its same-day and one-hour delivery services.
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