Amazon has confirmed its ultrafast drone service, Prime Air, will expand to almost 500 cities and towns in the U.S. by the end of next year, creating fulfilment capabilities that are six times its existing footprint.

Prime Air drone delivery currently serves shoppers in cities across seven North American states, including Arizona, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska and Texas. It plans to launch in Georgia, Ohio, Illinois, Idaho and New York soon as part of its planned expansion.

“Customers already turn to Amazon for fast Same- and Next-Day Delivery, and Prime Air provides them an even speedier option when they need it, with deliveries in as fast as 30 minutes,” said David Carbon, VP of Amazon Prime Air.

“We’ve already delivered hundreds of thousands of packages to customers by drone this year, and by the end of 2026 we plan to reach customers in nearly 500 cities and towns. We’re pairing the convenience of ultrafast drone delivery with the low prices and selection customers love about Amazon.”

Amazon recently launched Prime Air in the UK, with customers in Darlington among the first to be able to use the drones for deliveries, serving shoppers within a 7.5-mile radius of its fulfilment centre.

Deliveroo has also take delivery to the skies, having launched its own drone service pilot on food orders in Dublin last year. The drones, which are operated by Manna from its central hub, can reach flying speeds of up to 80kmph and can deliver take-outs in as little as 3 minutes.

Carlo Mocci, Chief Business Officer at Deliveroo, said the trial would “explore how drones can help reach new customers” and would “complement” its existing rider model.

“Our mission is to bring local neighbourhood favourites to as many people’s doors as possible, and constantly raise the bar on the experience and service we provide,” Mocci added.