Amazon announces the north’s first “drone town”

The "Prime Air" initiative aims to offer speedy deliveries using electric drones. A similar trial has been operating successfully in the United States since 2022.

The 60 minutes (or less) service will offer a new, eco-friendly alternative to traditional delivery methods.

The company is currently working on obtaining the necessary permissions from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and local authorities to establish its flight operations at the Darlington fulfilment centre.

Once regulatory approvals are in place, Amazon will begin hiring for the project and engage with the local community to address any concerns.

The announcement marks a significant step forward for Amazon’s drone delivery ambitions in the UK, as the company works to build a safe and reliable service in close collaboration with regulators. Customers in the service area will be able to place orders via the Amazon app or website, with the drones making deliveries directly to their homes.

Ellis Shelton, Logistics UK's Senior Policy Advisor, said: “The use of electric drones presents an innovative and eco-friendly alternative to traditional delivery methods, aligning with the UK's wider sustainability goals.

"This initiative will present interesting findings for the logistics industry on how this technology may be more widely deployed in the future.”