Amazon may move Prime Air drones out of US after FAA block

Amazon is threatening to move its drone research out of the US unless the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), gives the company permission to do test flights outdoors. The retailer first attempted to get permission for its Prime Air drone tests back in July.

The company has now responded to the FAA with an open letter, written by Paul Misener, Amazon's Vice President of Global Public Policy: “Without approval of our testing in the United States, we will be forced to continue expanding our Prime Air R&D footprint abroad.”

Amazon is looking to test drones in an effort to get its Prime Air concept off the ground. This would allow the company to send out packages via drone, with deliveries being made in as little as 30 minutes. Unfortunately, without the FAA's permission, testing is legally impossible.

Amazon isn't just banking on drones though, it is currently testing delivery via bike in Manhattan, New York. The company is working with three separate couriers to trial delivery by cyclist, the fastest courier will become Amazon's new ‘go to' for Prime deliveries.

You can read the full letter from Amazon, HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Amazon Prime Air is a cool concept but without the FAA on its side, the company won't be able to get it started. Would you guys like to see Amazon offer delivery by drone? 

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