Amazon is seeking approval from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to expand its drone delivery service to the entire town of Darlington. The company began a limited test of the service in February, allowing customers within a 7.5-mile radius of its County Durham site to receive certain items by drone, provided the packages weigh less than 5 pounds. This marks the first time Amazon’s Prime Air service, which uses unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for deliveries, has been tested outside the United States. After completing over 500 flights and deliveries, Amazon now aims to extend the service to all of Darlington, with the long-term goal of expanding it across the UK. David Carbon, vice-president of Prime Air, said the company expects to receive approval from the CAA "very soon." Currently, eligible customers in Darlington can receive their packages within two hours, with the fastest delivery recorded at just 39 minutes. Carbon highlighted that drones can offer faster delivery times and reduce traffic congestion compared to traditional delivery vans. He noted that about 68% of items ordered by customers meet the size and weight requirements for drone delivery. During the checkout process, customers see a satellite map of their property, showing designated "delivery zones" identified using Amazon’s digital mapping and artificial intelligence systems. In the UK, the Prime Air service is currently included in an Amazon Prime membership with no extra delivery fee. However, the company said this policy may be reviewed as the service expands. In July, an investigation was launched after an Amazon drone crashed into a garden in Darlington. The company stated that no one was injured and that the incident occurred when an object extending above the roof of a moving vehicle came into contact with the drone. A spokesperson said the drone responded as designed and landed safely. Carbon acknowledged that there had been "some" incidents but emphasized that the number is not high. The drones, known as MK30 models, are described as largely unnoticeable to the public during deliveries. However, if weather conditions are unsafe for flight, the service is unavailable. A planned demonstration for local stakeholders was postponed due to high winds. Carbon noted that customer feedback has been "awesome," with many appreciating the convenience of receiving items quickly without needing to drive. The expansion of Prime Air in Darlington represents a key step in Amazon’s broader effort to integrate drone delivery into everyday consumer experiences.