Amazon Launches First UK Drone Delivery Service in Darlington

Amazon has launched the United Kingdom's first retail drone delivery service with a limited rollout in Darlington, County Durham.

The company now delivers packages weighing less than 5 pounds (2.2 kg) and holding everyday items within a 7.5-mile (12 km) radius of its fulfillment center. Some orders arrive in as little as two hours.

Amazon plans a maximum of ten flights per hour, which equals up to 100 deliveries on weekdays during this initial phase. Officials expect to expand the service gradually as demand for ultra-fast deliveries increases.

Drones already help the National Health Service transport blood supplies in London. Royal Mail uses them to reach remote communities in Orkney with packages.

This marks the first use of drones for everyday shopping in the UK. Darlington stands as the only location outside the United States for Amazon drone deliveries so far. Testing will continue as the service remains in early stages.