Amazon plans to expand drone delivery service to nearly 500 U.S. cities by the end of the year.
Amazon announced a plan to expand its drone delivery operation more than sixfold, reaching nearly 500 U.S. cities by the end of the year. The company aims to provide customers with packages delivered in as fast as 30 minutes, focusing on suburban areas to avoid skyscrapers and major airports. While drones can carry packages up to 5 pounds, the service is intended to more quickly satisfy customer demand rather than fully replace traditional truck drivers. Amazon is currently competing with Walmart to provide the fastest delivery times. While Walmart relies heavily on drivers, Amazon is leveraging drones as a tool to increase shopper satisfaction. The service will be free for Amazon Prime members on orders over $50, while non-members will pay a flat fee. The company continues to invest in warehouses and trucks to ensure a comprehensive delivery network. Despite regulatory hurdles and noise concerns, Amazon seeks to deliver half a billion packages by the end of the decade.