Amazon has confirmed its first test of drone deliveries in Italy, in the area of San Salvo (Abruzzo). The operational authorization granted by ENAC, the National Civil Aviation Authority, was crucial. This is the first step in a long collaboration that will see Amazon meet the necessary requirements for launching the service.
According to the official statement, Amazon’s drones flew for the first time in Italy on December 4, 2024. As planned, the test flight was conducted with the new MK-30 drone. This puts into practice the automated drone system that uses Amazon’s own computer vision program.
The software allows the drones to move safely, away from the typical obstacles of urban centers. And thus, respecting the safety of people, animals, and property. Additionally, the drones are trained to separate their operations from those of other aircraft in the same area.
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A new and important investment for Italy
Investing in the Prime Air service in Italy also confirms the company’s commitment to continue investing in our country. Let’s recall that the company has already created 19,000 permanent jobs, across more than 60 locations.
In Abruzzo, Amazon is present with a depot in San Giovanni Teatino (CH) and a distribution center in San Salvo.
ENAC’s statements on Amazon’s drones
ENAC also expressed satisfaction with these new advances. President Pierluigi Di Palma stated: “The fact that Amazon has chosen Italy to launch the Prime Air project in Europe confirms a successful national strategic vision. The key to an innovative, technological, and intermodal future is the collaboration between institutions, politics, society, and private industries.”
ENAC then recalled its strong commitment to safely driving innovation in advanced air mobility. It also added that it is proud to support Amazon in this project. And that this initiative places Italy at the center of a forward-looking experience for the future of the last-mile delivery sector in Europe.
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Statements from the institutions
The same satisfaction was shared by the President of the Abruzzo Region, Marco Marsilio, who stated that he had strongly believed in the value of Amazon’s establishment in San Salvo.
“We have personally witnessed the economic development it has brought to the area. Being now the first center outside the United States to implement drone delivery shows that logistics in Abruzzo is transforming into a model to learn from and replicate. The strong increase in employment and the revitalization of an industrial area that needed a significant boost will undoubtedly drive our region’s economic future,” he added.
“It fills us with great pride and satisfaction that our city has been granted the opportunity to be the cradle of this cutting-edge project. This recognition confirms our position as a center of excellence and innovation, placing us at the heart of Europe and giving us the chance to shine internationally. San Salvo is a place where the future takes shape, thanks to its geographical features and its ability to provide quick and concrete responses to those who wish to do business here!” commented Emanuela De Nicolis, Mayor of San Salvo.
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