Amazon Launches Drone Delivery Service in Tolleson

Amazon has launched a drone delivery service from its Tolleson, Arizona fulfillment center, allowing customers within a seven-mile radius to receive packages weighing up to five pounds in as little as one hour. The service, known as Prime Air, uses Amazon-designed MK30 drones that are lighter, quieter, and have an extended range, primarily delivering items like health and beauty products, batteries, and other small goods. Customers have access to up to 50,000 eligible items, and each delivery incurs a $4.99 fee. The drones operate autonomously but are closely monitored by ground crews, who inspect and recharge the units before and after each flight to ensure safety and reliability. Local officials, including Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Tolleson Mayor Juan Rodriguez, highlighted the innovative nature of the service and its potential benefits for the community. Amazon aims to expand this technology nationwide, targeting over 500 million drone deliveries annually by the end of the decade.