Amazon has made its first drone delivery in Britain, but is the public ready for parcels dropping from the sky? James Moore explores the mixed reactions and potential benefits of this new service.
Amazon Air Takes Flight in Darlington
Remember that old Superman tagline? "Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's…." Well, that thing hovering overhead could now also be an Amazon drone, en route to number 32 with an order of sterilising tablets. Retail delivery by drone has been big in the US for a while, but it has finally arrived in the UK. Today, Amazon became the first retailer to complete a customer delivery by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
However, before you rush to order something and watch the skies, note that the service is limited. The trial covers only a corner of County Durham, within 12km of Amazon's fulfilment centre in Darlington. Nearby Barnard Castle is not yet included. Parcels must weigh no more than 2.2kg, so a two-litre bottle of Coke is too heavy. The drones can handle light, everyday items like batteries, beauty products, and sterilising tablets. Each drone can make up to 100 drops per day.
Mixed Public Response
Public reaction to Amazon's innovation has been mixed. Some find the idea of drones whizzing overhead horrifying and prefer hand-delivered parcels. Others, however, would welcome goods landing gently in the back garden rather than being thrown over the fence. The main advantage is super-fast delivery—straight to your door in two hours. But is such speed necessary? Do you need face cream so badly that you would pay extra for drone delivery? For now, it is a free option for Amazon Prime subscribers in the trial area.
There are shops where you can get these items just as easily. Most people in the UK live within a two-hour radius of a Tesco. Yet, there are potential benefits. Once Amazon perfects the technology to deliver heavier items like a flatscreen TV during a World Cup match, drones could reduce delivery traffic on roads. Amazon has promoted its zero-emission electric fleet, charged overnight with surplus renewable power. If drones reduce congestion, that benefits everyone.
Job Concerns and Growing Pains
What about drivers' jobs? We are far from drone-induced redundancies. Even if it happens, there will be plenty of work for those willing to drive small trucks. Not long ago, after Brexit, the nation suffered a profound shortage of drivers. Many objections to innovations like these are somewhat old-fashioned. Drone deliveries could be fun, despite incidents like the crash into an apartment block in Dallas, Texas, earlier this year. Amazon Air has also reportedly suffered crashes in Oregon and Arizona. An apology was issued after the Dallas drone lost its GPS. Advocates say these are growing pains, and the tech will improve. If not, perhaps Superman can save it?
