Amazon set to test drone deliveries — but not in the United States

The world’s biggest online retailer took a big step to move drone deliveries forward.



Amazon has entered into a partnership with the British government that will allow the retailer to test and develop new drone delivery systems.



Under the arrangement, Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority gave Amazon permission to explore three drone-delivery innovations, including delivery beyond line of sight operations in rural and suburban areas. The retailer will also test sensor performance to make sure the drones can identify and avoid obstacles, flights where one person operates multiple highly-automated drones.



The tests are to begin immediately, according to a report on Telegraph.co.uk, which also said Amazon has been developing the technology at a research and development base in Cambridge (England).



“The U.K. is a leader in enabling drone innovation – we’ve been investing in Prime Air research and development here for quite some time,” said Paul Misener, Amazon’s VP of global innovation policy and communications. “This announcement strengthens our partnership with the U.K. and brings Amazon closer to our goal of using drones to safely deliver parcels in 30 minutes to customers in the U.K. and elsewhere around the world.”



The test will help Amazon understand how drones can be used safely and reliably in the logistics industry, the company said. It will also help identify what operating rules and safety regulations will be needed to help move the drone industry forward.



“Using small drones for the delivery of parcels will improve customer experience, create new jobs in a rapidly growing industry, and pioneer new sustainable delivery methods to meet future demand,” added Misener.



The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration recently said the use of drones for deliveries will require separate regulation from their general use.



Other retailers exploring the use of drones include Walmart, which is reportedly six to nine months from beginning to use drones to check warehouse inventories in the United States. And 7-Eleven is testing drone delivery.