Natalie Banke, an Amazon Air spokesperson, confirmed that Amazon has begun drone deliveries in two U.S. cities and calls it Prime Air.
Amazon confirmed on Friday to Nexstar’s KTXL that it has started using drones to deliver packages to consumers in Lockeford, California and College Station, Texas.
Six months after it was first announced, the Lockeford service has now begun in earnest.
“Our aim is to safely introduce our drones to the skies. We are starting in these communities and will gradually expand deliveries to more customers over time,” Natalie Banke, Amazon Air spokesperson said.
Amazon has been working with the Federal Aviation Administration and local authorities in Lockeford and College Station to launch the service, which it calls Prime Air.
After a consumer has been “onboarded” and orders a product, the company claims a drone will fly to the customer’s backyard, descend to the level of the package, and then take off. The aim is to deliver packages under 5 pounds in less than 60 minutes, according to Amazon reps in a blog post published earlier this year.
The company unveiled plans for a new wave of drones last month that are anticipated to start delivering items in 2024.
When drone delivery becomes possible in a given location, the company will let its customers know.
Amazon obtained FAA safety clearance to operate in Lockeford, about 50 miles south of Sacramento, and College Station, home to Texas A&M University’s main campus, close to Houston, to debut the project.