Some KC-area residents may soon be able to order an item from Amazon and have it delivered by a drone faster than a pizza.
Amazon is eyeing both sides of KC’s state line for its next drone delivery expansion. The retail giant recently received approvals from both Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, planning commissions to build drone launch sites at existing facilities.
“We’re reviewing options and working with local officials to possibly bring Prime Air to Kansas City – which would support our efforts to provide fast delivery and great service to local customers,” Amazon spokesperson Andy DiOrio said to The Kansas City Star.
The company currently has plans for two metro drone delivery locations: one at its same-day delivery facility in south KCMO at 4001 E. 149th St. and another at its robotics fulfillment center in KCK at 6925 Riverview Ave.
How It Works
Amazon’s MK30 drones can carry packages up to five pounds within a 7.5-mile radius of each facility. The electric drones fly between 200-400 feet high along predetermined paths, delivering packages in about 30 minutes.
Upon reaching a customer’s address, the drone descends to about 12 feet—scans for obstacles, people or pets— then drops the specially cushioned package, according to documents filed with the city.
“This site was chosen because it’s a high performance site in the Amazon network. We feel this is a great opportunity to create a number of jobs and bring innovation to better serve our customers,” said Sam Bailey, senior manager with Amazon, during the KCK planning commission meeting.
According to Amazon, customers must opt into the program and drone delivery won’t replace traditional delivery methods entirely. The service delivers only eligible items under five pounds, operates during daylight hours, and requires ‘favorable weather conditions.’
Current Status
The drone delivery service currently operates in just two U.S. cities: College Station, Texas, and Tolleson, Arizona. The program recently resumed after a two-month pause for software updates addressing an altitude sensor issue, according to CNBC.
The company also overcame noise complaints in these test markets by developing quieter drones. Amazon compares the MK30’s new sound level to “a moderate conversation or sound of a dishwasher.”
Next Steps
While local planning approvals mark significant progress, Amazon still needs Federal Aviation Administration clearance before launch.
“The planning processes for both of these projects are in the early stages and additional steps remain,” DiOrio told KSHB 41.
If approved, the dual-location strategy would cover substantial portions of the metro area – parts of southwest Jackson County and eastern Johnson County from the Missouri site, and significant sections of Wyandotte County from the Kansas location.
Documents filed with Kansas City, Missouri suggest the service could launch by late 2025.
