Amazon is expanding its drone delivery service in the US and conducting test flights for a new drone.

The e-commerce giant said that it would start making drone deliveries in the West Valley of the Phoenix Metro Area in Arizona later this year.

The drones will operate from the company’s same-day delivery site in Tolleson, which Amazon said is a smaller, hybrid centre connected to larger facilities in the area.

Amazon is currently working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local officials in Tolleson to obtain all necessary permissions to conduct the drone deliveries.

Amazon first announced its drone delivery service in June 2022 in Lockeford California.

It has since expanded the service to Texas and intends to start drone deliveries in the UK later this year.

"As Amazon embarks on the national expansion of its Amazon Drone Delivery Program, we're proud to have their innovative presence in our community,” said Juan F. Rodriguez, mayor of Tolleson. “By bringing this service to new communities, they're not just delivering goods; they're delivering opportunities and economic growth for all.”

Additionally, Amazon said it is conducting test flights for the new MK30 drone. The drone includes safety features which allow it to deliver parcels to customers with smaller gardens in more densely populated areas.

Amazon added that the new drone is quieter, can fly in more types of weather, and has a range twice that of the current drone in use.

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