Amazon is ending its drone delivery operations in Lockeford, California, one of the earliest test sites for its Prime Air program, CNBC reports.
Prime Air, which aims to deliver packages via autonomous drones within 30 minutes, has faced challenges since its inception in 2013. The company has decided to close its Lockeford delivery site to prioritize resources. Employees will be offered opportunities at other sites, and Lockeford residents can still order using alternative delivery methods. Despite this setback, Amazon plans to expand drone deliveries to more US cities by 2025 and will open a new site in Tolleson, Arizona, later this year.
The company is conducting test flights with its new MK30 delivery drone, designed to be smaller, quieter, and capable of flying through light rain. Although Amazon received Part 135 certification from the FAA in 2020, allowing drone deliveries with restrictions, Prime Air’s progress has been delayed due to layoffs, regulatory setbacks, and executive departures.
