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Amazon has started Test drone flight before its launch UK air freight services later this year.
The US tech giant said it had started taking off a “limited number of flights” from its company. Darlington Test Centerbut clarified that it has not yet launched drone delivery services for customers.
“We can confirm that we have commenced a limited number of Prime Air drone flights from our Darlington operations center at Symmetry Park,” the company said.
“Deliveries have not yet been made, but the service is expected to be officially launched in 2026.
“This marks an exciting next step in bringing drone delivery to the UK, during which we will continue to work closely with Darlington Council and the Civil Aviation Authority.”
When Amazon launches the service, eligible customers in Darlington will be able to receive their items within two hours, as long as the package weighs under five pounds.
It will use the MK30 drone, a state-of-the-art drone that Amazon says uses advanced technology to avoid obstacles and ensure “the safety of people, pets and property.”
Prime Air vice president David Carbon said: “The launch of flights to Darlington marks a major milestone in bringing drone delivery to the UK.
“Safety is our top priority and we work closely with Darlington Council and the Civil Aviation Authority.
“Our MK30 drone is designed to operate quietly and efficiently.
“We look forward to demonstrating how this innovative technology can work for the people of Darlington while maintaining the highest safety standards.”
The company says the drones are designed to be quiet, with noise levels consistent with traditional truck deliveries.
It added: “As the MK30 descends to make a delivery, its onboard systems identify and avoid obstacles such as clotheslines or trampolines – items that may not appear on satellite maps.
“These cameras continuously monitor the surrounding airspace during flight to determine if evasive action is required to avoid other aircraft entering the drone’s flight path.
“Perception technology relies on sophisticated machine learning models that are trained to recognize a variety of objects, including people, animals, physical obstacles and other airborne vehicles.”