Amazon Expands Drone Delivery to 12 More U.S. Cities With Faster, All-Weather Drones

Amazon drone delivery

July 19, 2025, Seattle Amazon has rolled out its Prime Air drone delivery service to 12 new U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Denver, Austin, Tampa, and Sacramento. The expansion follows the successful pilot in Lockeford, California, and College Station, Texas.

The new drones, called MK35, can deliver packages in under 30 minutes — even in rain or light wind — thanks to upgraded navigation systems and weather-resistant design.

What’s New With MK35 Drones

  • Range: Up to 9 miles per flight
  • Speed: Up to 55 mph
  • Weather handling: Operates in light rain, fog, and 15 mph wind
  • Payload: Up to 5 pounds
  • Navigation: Enhanced GPS, lidar, and object avoidance sensors

Amazon says over 80% of its top-selling items weigh under 5 pounds, making them eligible for drone delivery in the new zones.

How It Works

Customers in eligible ZIP codes can select drone delivery during checkout. The drone flies to a cleared backyard or designated drop zone, descends vertically, and releases the package without landing.

Deliveries are available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Customers receive real-time tracking and alerts via the Amazon app.

FAA Approval and Safety

Amazon received updated FAA approval in June 2025 to expand its drone operations after proving safety through over 50,000 test flights. Each drone is monitored by an AI flight control system and human supervisor.

The drones are equipped with parachute systems and emergency stop protocols in case of flight path issues or interference.

Conclusion

Amazon’s latest expansion of drone delivery marks a major shift in how small packages can reach homes faster and with lower carbon impact. As the program scales, more cities may see drones replacing delivery trucks for high-demand, lightweight items.

Sources: Amazon Newsroom, FAA Drone Approval Database, CNBC Tech

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *