Amazon announced Thursday that it has received federal approval to fly its delivery drones over longer distances without the need for ground spotters, overcoming a significant regulatory barrier and paving the way to expand the service across more parts of the U.S.
Previously, Amazon’s drones were required to fly within the pilot’s line of sight. The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) new approval allows Amazon to conduct flights beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) of observers.
The company plans to extend its delivery area in College Station, Texas, one of the cities where it has been conducting tests.
Amazon obtained approval after developing a collision-avoidance technology for its drones, enabling them to “detect and avoid obstacles in the air.” This technology is crucial for other drone delivery companies like Zipline, which also seek to operate BVLOS.
Prime Air, Amazon’s drone delivery service, has faced challenges since Amazon founder Jeff Bezos first envisioned the program over a decade ago.
In 2022, Amazon began testing deliveries in College Station, Texas, and Lockeford, California, where the program initially met some skepticism from residents.
Prime Air experienced layoffs last year as part of broader job cuts at Amazon and faced regulatory setbacks and executive departures.
Recently, Amazon announced it would cease its drone operations in California and initiate deliveries near Phoenix, Arizona, later this year.
The company is also planning further expansions to other U.S. cities in 2025. Amazon aims to deliver 500 million packages by drone annually by the end of the decade.
