Amazon’s Prime Air set to take flight in Darlington

Darlington has been chosen as the launch site for Amazon’s first UK drone deliveries.

The global technology giant has confirmed its distribution centre in the town will host the inaugural UK flights of Prime Air. 

Bosses claim the project will enable same-day, 30-minute deliveries directly to customers' homes.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen and Teesside International Airport worked with Amazon for 18 months to secure the project. 

Mayor Houchen said: “I am delighted Teesside will become home to Amazon’s first UK drone delivery service.”

Planning permission and authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority for the lightweight delivery service will now be sought ahead of the start of operations.

An Amazon spokesperson added: “We are ready and excited to make drone delivery a reality for our UK customers. 

“While there is still much work to do, this is an exciting step forward. 

“A planning application will be lodged with the local authority, which will seek permission to build our flight operations facilities at the site, along with applying for authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority to fly a drone in the airspace.

“Once those agreements are in place, we will be able to begin hiring team members to launch drone delivery.”

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