Amazon has expanded its drone delivery services to Darlington, providing Prime Air delivery on the back of its trial in the town launched earlier this year.
With confirmed approval from the Civil Aviation Authority, it now means 8,000 homes in the area will be able to receive Prime Air deliveries.
Amazon says this now makes Darlington home to the ‘most advanced drone delivery service in Europe’ – and the first Amazon ultra-fast drone delivery service anywhere outside the United States.
The Amazon service uses its MK30 drone to get packages, weighing up to five pounds, into customers’ hands quickly.
Teesside International Airport, Darlington Borough Council and the Tees Valley Combined Authority have all played a part in paving the way for drone deliveries.
The expansion comes after Coco Robotics unveiled Stockton as one of the first locations in the UK set to host a fleet of autonomous delivery vehicles for Deliveroo.
Teesside Airport is also now home to two autonomous vehicles for passengers and cargo which are set to enter operation in 2027.
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “Once again, our region is leading the way with a global giant on our doorstep.
“Not only have Amazon chosen Darlington for a UK-first, but they’re now expanding.
‘It’s fantastic to see more people across the town able to use this, and I want to see even more people benefit from faster, more convenient deliveries.
“It’s yet another huge vote of confidence in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool – and we’re showing the sky isn’t the limit.”
Autonomous delivery, last-mile infrastructure and the challenges of moving goods through cities will be explored at Urban Logistics.
Urban Logistics, takes place at ExCeL London on 9-10 June 2027.
To find out more information, visit: urbanlogisticsexhibition.com
