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Amazon begins drone deliveries in County Durham
Amazon has become the first retailer in Britain to offer drone deliveries, starting with a limited rollout in Darlington. The service, which began this week, allows customers to receive small packages within two hours.
What can be delivered?
Eligible items weigh under 5lb (2.2kg) and include everyday products like beauty supplies, batteries, and cables. Deliveries are limited to a 7.5-mile (12km) radius around Amazon's local fulfilment centre.
Rob Shield, who allowed Amazon to use his farm's Airbnb for early tests, described the experience as initially a novelty. "We ordered everything-pens, paper, chocolates-just to see it arrive," he said. Packages, roughly the size of shoeboxes, were dropped from 12ft (3.6m) into his front garden.
Over time, Shield said the convenience became apparent. "Now, if we need something urgently, like a tape measure, we just order it and it's here."
Mixed reactions from locals
While some Darlington residents embraced the innovation, others expressed scepticism. One woman told the BBC she preferred a person handing her a parcel rather than a drone dropping it into her garden. Another said she might try it once but would likely "stick to the old way." One resident dismissed the idea as "nutty as a fruitcake."
Amazon's long-term vision
David Carbon, vice president of Amazon Prime Air, defended the service, arguing that customers never ask for slower deliveries. "If you need fever medication for your kids, you want it now-not a trip to the store," he said.
Currently, UK deliveries take up to two hours, but in the US, the average time is 36 minutes. Amazon plans up to 100 daily deliveries in Darlington, with a maximum of 10 flights per hour on weekdays.
Carbon emphasised the commercial potential: "We wouldn't do this if it wasn't viable. It's a business, and we're pursuing that goal."
Challenges and safety measures
Dr Anna Jackman, an associate professor of geography at the University of Reading, noted that urban areas pose significant hurdles. "Most delivery demand is in dense, congested cities, where drones struggle with high-rise buildings," she said. While rooftop hubs are being explored, she added, "we're not there yet."
In Darlington, customers must have a garden or yard for deliveries. Amazon's MK30 drones, equipped with sensors, navigate obstacles like trampolines, washing lines, and aircraft. GPS guides precise package drops, and operators monitor flights remotely, coordinating with Teesside Airport's air traffic control.
Safety incidents have occurred. In February, an MK30 drone in Texas lost GPS signal, clipped an apartment building, and crashed. No injuries were reported, but Amazon halted deliveries to similar buildings. Carbon called it a learning experience, noting 170,000 safe flights to date.
Regulatory hurdles and future plans
Amazon secured temporary protected airspace for autonomous flights, approved by the Civil Aviation Authority until mid-June, with an expected extension. The trial runs until the end of the year. Darlington Borough Council granted temporary planning permission, citing the scheme's "unprecedented nature."
"It's great to see Darlington leading innovation. This highlights our borough as a hub for development and investment,"
Darlington Borough Council spokesperson
The town was chosen for its mix of residential areas, roads, and proximity to Teesside Airport, ideal for testing diverse conditions near an Amazon hub. However, the launch was delayed from Amazon's original 2024 target.
Broader drone delivery landscape
Amazon isn't alone in exploring drone deliveries. The NHS trials blood supply transports in London, while Royal Mail uses drones for remote Orkney deliveries. For widespread adoption, operators must prove drones can fly beyond visual line of sight-a key focus in Darlington.
