Sonali Tiwary
Amazon’s Prime Air drone delivery service has expanded to Phoenix’s West Valley area, operating from the Tolleson Same-Day Delivery site. The move adds Arizona to Amazon’s drone delivery map, which began in 2022 and has completed thousands of deliveries under 60 minutes.
The MK30 drone powering these deliveries brings specific technical improvements to the operation. The drone flies at an altitude of 400 feet, with double the range of earlier models. FAA testing confirms the drone’s ability to detect obstacles, including people, pets, and property. The drone has undergone aerospace-grade certification in collaboration with the FAA and is built to fly in rainy weather, with capability to deliver to small backyards in dense suburban areas.
“This service brings opportunities and economic growth for all,” says Tolleson Mayor Juan F. Rodriguez. The hybrid facility – part fulfillment center, part delivery station – processes orders weighing under 5 pounds from an inventory of 50,000 items.
The business impact extends beyond delivery metrics. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego points to environmental benefits: “Zero-emission package delivery will help us reduce local pollution.” The service operates during daylight hours, weather permitting, with single-item delivery capacity.
Amazon’s delivery performance shows steady growth. In 2023, the company delivered more than 7 billion items same-day or next-day worldwide, with more than 4 billion in the U.S. and more than 2 billion in Europe. The service has expanded to include prescription medications through Amazon Pharmacy in College Station, Texas.
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The drone delivery sector continues to evolve. Walmart has a similar program in Texas, while Amazon plans expansion to Italy and the UK by the end of 2024. The FAA’s Beyond Visual Line of Sight approval for the MK30 creates a precedent for future autonomous delivery systems.
The technical specifications matter for business scalability. The MK30’s 50% noise reduction and enhanced weather resistance address common operational constraints. The detect-and-avoid systems enable automated flight paths, critical for maintaining delivery schedules in suburban environments.
These developments occur as Amazon reports its fastest Prime delivery speeds globally, with both same-day and next-day delivery options expanding. The Tolleson facility demonstrates how drone delivery integrates with existing fulfillment networks, combining automated aerial delivery with traditional logistics infrastructure.
