Last week, Amazon conducted its first customer delivery by drone, reports The Wall Street Journal.
A drone, carrying popcorn and a Fire TV video-streaming device, traveled several miles to a farmhouse near Cambridge, U.K., to deliver the package in 13 minutes.
The delivery represents the start of operations for Prime Air, Amazon's drone program, which was introduced three years ago to much skepticism and regulatory hurdles. The program aims to deliver packages to customers 30 minutes after the order is placed.
While regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration limit the drone program in the U.S., Amazon struck a deal with British authorities in July to start drone testing, reports WSJ.
Rural areas pose a logistical challenge to delivery companies and online retailers like Amazon, since it is inefficient and expensive to deliver packages in spread out areas. However, the large amount of open space in these areas is optimal for drone flying, which could allow for quicker and more efficient deliveries.
Amazon plans to expand drone tests in the coming months, offering the service to dozens of more people living in the testing area.
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