Amazon to pilot one-hour delivery in the U.K.

The e-tail giant is one of six organizations taking part in new trials conducted by the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority to test drone use in deliveries, inspections of infrastructure, emergency services, and flights to remote locations. Amazon previously tested drone delivery in the U.K. in 2016, but never moved beyond pilot stage in that project.

The regulatory body has chosen the trials to help integrate drones flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) of their operator into U.K. airspace. BVLOS flights will be carried out at distances beyond the flyer’s ability to see the drone.

The pilots will also gather safety data, such as how drones detect and avoid other aircraft and the electronic signals they can send to be able to be visible to other airspace users and air traffic control.

Additional government approvals will be needed before testing can begin. The new pilots will also help develop plans for how drones can be safely integrated with other airspace users, as part of the regulator’s wider Airspace Modernization Strategy.

Amazon has also said it will bring drone delivery to Italy by the end of 2024.

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