Amazon trials drone delivery on 4 December 2024 in the town of San Salvo. Credit: No-Mad/Shutterstock.

E-commerce giant Amazon has completed the preliminary trial of delivery drone services in Italy – a significant step towards launching its Prime Air service in Europe, Reuters has reported.  

The retailer performed the trial on 4 December in the town of San Salvo in the central Abruzzo region, deploying its new MK-30 drone.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

This highly automated system utilises “sense and avoid” technology to navigate safely around obstacles, protecting people, pets and property.  

The MK30 operates more quietly than earlier models, with Prime Air’s flight science team designing the propellers to cut the perceived noise level by almost 50%.  

It offers an enhanced range – twice as far as previous models – and hence is able to serve more customers. 

The retailer is working closely with the Italian authorities to fulfil all requirements to introduce the service in 2025. 

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Amazon was quoted by the news agency as saying: “Amazon delivery drones flew for the first time in Italian skies on 4 December 2024. The test flight was made with the new MK-30 drone, the highly automated drone system that uses the industry-leading Amazon computer vision programme. 

“This allows drones to move safely away from obstacles [… and helps] to keep [them] separate from other aircraft in the operational area.” 

The successful trial follows the retailer’s announcement in October 2024 that it would begin delivering packages via drone in Britain, Italy and a third US location, expanding its airborne delivery programme. 

In Britain, the aviation regulator has selected six projects, including one by Amazon, to test drones for deliveries and emergency services.  

First launched in December 2022, Amazon’s Prime Air drone package deliveries are now operational in select US locations and are expected to expand gradually. 

In April 2024, the retailer announced a planned drone delivery service in Arizona, US towards the end of the year.