Amazon successfully conducted its inaugural drone flight test in Italy on Wednesday, showcasing its MK30 drone. This advanced drone is designed to carry packages weighing up to five pounds (approximately 2.27 kilograms) and is capable of operating in light rain. In the United States, the MK30 drone is licensed to fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), a significant capability for expanding drone delivery services.
The test was carried out in San Salvo with authorization from Italy’s regulatory bodies, ENAC and ENAV, which serve roles similar to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States. This marks a crucial milestone for Amazon as it continues to refine its drone technology and expand its footprint in international markets.
Amazon first announced plans to expand its Prime Air delivery service to Italy and the UK in 2024. The company now aims to launch commercial drone deliveries in Italy by 2025, pending approval from regulators. In the UK, Amazon is one of six projects selected for drone testing by British authorities, but details about the testing timeline remain unclear.
In the United States, Amazon has already begun drone deliveries in select locations, including College Station, Texas, and Phoenix, Arizona. These operations are part of the company’s broader strategy to roll out drone delivery services in more areas across the U.S. in the coming year.
This test in Italy underscores Amazon’s ambition to establish itself as a leader in drone delivery, leveraging advancements in technology and regulatory collaboration to bring its vision of faster, more efficient package delivery to reality.