Amazon plans to launch its Prime Air drone delivery service in nearly 500 US cities by the end of 2026, expanding the ability to send small packages to customers by air. The US e-commerce company said the planned network would reach major cities including Chicago and Atlanta, as well as Syracuse, Cleveland and Boise.
Amazon currently operates drone deliveries across 11 active bases in 10 metropolitan areas in the United States. The proposed expansion would substantially broaden that existing network and make the service available in a wider range of cities.
Prime Air drones can carry lightweight packages weighing up to 5 pounds, or about 2.26 kilograms. Eligible packages must be roughly the size of a large shoe box. The service is designed to deliver qualifying products and orders to customers in around 60 minutes.