Miscellanea

1. TECHNOLOGY

1 Amazon plans drone deliveries for UK parcels next year in an Hour

Amazon has announced it will start using drones to deliver parcels in the UK in under an hour. The online retail giant said the service would start in one location which is yet to be revealed, at the end of 2024. The company already offers drone deliveries in two US states for goods weighing no more than 5 lbs (2.2 kg).

The aviation regulator said "exploring" how drones could be safely used in more of the UK's airspace was "key". Amazon said it was working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to meet regulations, while the government said the move would help it understand "how to best use the new technology safely and securely". David Carbon, Vice President of Amazon Prime Air, said he believed there was demand for the technology in the UK and that it was "absolutely safe".

“It's hundreds of times safer than driving to the store,” he told the BBC in an interview in Seattle. “I've never heard anyone say they wouldn't want something faster. Customers will be able to choose from thousands of items which weigh 5 lbs or less, from washing up liquid and toothbrushes to beauty products and batteries to fill a shoe-box size package.”