Amazon launches first Prime Air drone delivery service outside the U.S.

Amazon has officially expanded its Prime Air drone delivery program to the United Kingdom, marking the first time the service has launched outside the United States. Operating from the company’s fulfillment center in Darlington, England, the service enables eligible customers to receive select orders by drone in 60 minutes or less.

The rollout follows years of planning and regulatory approvals, with Darlington selected as Amazon’s first international Prime Air location. Customers within a 7.5-mile radius of the fulfillment center can choose drone delivery for millions of eligible items weighing up to five pounds and small enough to fit in a large shoebox.

“I’m proud that Darlington is the first Prime Air location outside the U.S., and that UK customers are now experiencing this,” said Amazon UK Country Manager John Boumphrey. “The team has spent years making this safe, reliable, and real.”

Deliveries are carried out using Amazon’s MK30 drone, which flies autonomously and uses advanced detect-and-avoid technology to navigate around people, pets, property, and other aircraft. The drone can travel at speeds of up to 70 mph and operates under approval from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority.

“The fact that a customer can now order an item and have it delivered by drone shows how we keep innovating for customers to make their lives easier,” Boumphrey said. “Not that long ago, two-day delivery felt incredible, and now we’re using drones.”

At the Darlington facility, orders are processed using advanced robotics before being packed into specially designed Prime Air packaging. Each drone undergoes a pre-flight inspection conducted by trained associates before takeoff.

“One of the main things in the process is doing visual checks of the drone. I make sure the drone is in a good state, there’s no damage, it’s airworthy, and good to fly,” said Sameer Mehmood, a Prime Air ground handler at the site.

The MK30 was developed over two years and completed more than 5,100 test flights totaling over 900 flight hours before entering commercial service. The aircraft is designed with multiple backup systems and onboard sensors to help ensure safe operations.

Prime Air deliveries are currently included with Amazon Prime memberships in the UK at no additional cost. Amazon said it will evaluate future pricing as the service expands to additional areas.