In a reality where deliveries of products purchased online are the order of the day, deliveries via drone are increasingly becoming a palpable reality. Amazon recently presented its drone model MK30, marking a significant step towards the implementation of air deliveries in Italy. The company also discussed collaborations with Italian authorities.
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Amazon and drone deliveries in Italy
During the event “Delivering the Future” in Seattle, it was announced that Amazon's commercial drone deliveries will expand outside the United States, reaching Italy. This represents a significant evolution in the delivery space, confirming Amazon's commitment to providing innovative services to its customers.
Drone deliveries, already successfully tested in California and Texas, show how technology can make the delivery process more efficient and safer. Lorenzo Barbo, CEO of Amazon Italia Logistica, underlined how the company has continuously invested in innovative technologies for reduce delivery times. Collaboration with the relevant authorities was highlighted as fundamental to bringing deliveries via drone in Italy by the end of 2024.
Institutional support for Amazon for drone deliveries in Italy
THEENAC, the national civil aviation authority, through its President Pierluigi DiPalma, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, underlining how Italy was chosen by a global player like Amazon. This choice confirms the importance of the strategy adopted by Enac to push innovation in the aviation sector. Di Palma also mentioned the collaboration with EASA and government authorities to create a favorable regulatory and technical framework for drone cargo transport.
Pasqualino Monti, CEO of the Group ENAV, noted how airspace management is crucial for Italy's economic growth, highlighting the organisation's willingness to support innovative projects such as Amazon's.
Technical characteristics of the MK30 drone
The MK30 is a drone designed to transport light packages up to 2,26 kg, directly to customers' homes. The drone is equipped with “sense-and-avoid” technology to detect and avoid obstacles, ensuring safe deliveries. Thanks to the new propeller system, the MK30 can operate in different weather conditions, and its VTOL hybrid technology allows greater maneuverability during flight (vertical take-off and landing, then switching to horizontal flight).
