ARIZONA NEWS

Amazon drone delivery landing in Phoenix area later this year, company announces

Apr 22, 2024, 12:22 PM

Split image of an Amazon delivery drone in the sky on the left and an Amazon box that says "Gravity...

Amazon announced on April 22, 2024, it was planning to launch drone delivery service in Tolleson, Arizona, later in the year. (Amazon Photos)

(Amazon Photos)

PHOENIX – Amazon announced plans Monday to expand its drone delivery service to metro Phoenix later this year.

The e-commerce giant said it is working with the Federal Aviation Administration to deploy its high-speed Prime Air delivery method in the West Valley.

The drones will transport certain packages from facilities next to Amazon’s fulfillment center in Tolleson, about 12 miles west of downtown Phoenix.

Tolleson mayor welcomes Amazon drone delivery

“By bringing this service to new communities, they’re not just delivering goods; they’re delivering opportunities and economic growth for all,” Tolleson Mayor Juan F. Rodriguez said in a press release. “Amazon’s commitment to innovation exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our city forward.”

Amazon said it is testing a new type of drone that can make deliveries to customers with smaller backyards in densely populated suburban areas.

The new MK30 drones make less noise and can fly twice as far as the current delivery drones. They also can handle certain weather conditions, such as light rain, that keep the current drones grounded.

“This kind of delivery is the future, and it’s exciting that it will be starting in the Phoenix metro area,” said Kate Gallego, mayor of Phoenix. “The shift toward zero-emission package delivery will help us reduce local pollution and further cement our city as a hotbed for the innovative technology of tomorrow.”

Where else does Amazon deliver packages with drones?

Amazon started drone delivery in College Station, Texas, and Lockeford, California, in 2022. The Texas site added prescription medication delivery last year.

The drones have delivered thousands of items in less than an hour, the company said.

Amazon said Monday it was closing the California site but would open in other U.S. locations in 2025.

Retail behemoth Walmart already offers drone delivery in parts of Arizona.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Two Valley freeway ramps will be closed for the next two months....

Kevin Stone

2 Valley on-ramps closing for 2 months as part of freeway improvement projects

A couple of metro Phoenix freeway ramps are closing for the next two months as part of ongoing improvement projects.

2 hours ago

Honeywell Aerospace...

Collin Huguley and Jeff Gifford/Phoenix Business Journal

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace to go its own way amid company split

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace Technologies is going to become a separate entity now that Honeywell International Inc. plans to follow through with a major shake-up.

3 hours ago

fatal shooting southeast Phoenix one man dead...

Payne Moses

Police investigating fatal shooting that left 1 man dead in southeast Phoenix

Phoenix police are investigating a fatal shooting in southeast Phoenix on Friday that left one man dead. The incident is being viewed as an act of self-defense.

11 hours ago

Phoenix woman hit killed by car West Phoenix...

Payne Moses

Woman dead after hit by car while crossing street in west Phoenix

An adult woman was struck and killed by a car on Friday while crossing a street in west Phoenix, authorities said.

12 hours ago

I17 Bumble Bee bridge ADOT construction Feb. 10-12 overnight...

Payne Moses

I-17 overnight closures next week to remove old Bumble Bee bridge

The southbound Interstate 17 will be closed overnight from Monday to Wednesday due to scheduled reconstruction of the Bumble Bee bridge.

13 hours ago

asthma GSK Arizona AG Kris Mayes sues for exploiting drug maker...

Payne Moses

Arizona AG accuses asthma drug maker of scheming to avoid Medicaid rebates

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes on Thursday sued drug producer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for harm done to asthma patients by discontinuing a long-time product.

15 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

Amazon drone delivery landing in Phoenix area later this year, company announces