Amazon to Restart Drone Delivery Service in Tracy, California

Amazon is set to bring its autonomous Prime Air drones back to California, this time launching in Tracy as part of an ambitious expansion to 500 municipalities by the end of the year. The service, which already runs in 11 cities such as San Antonio, Baton Rouge and Kansas City, will allow eligible shoppers to request delivery within 30 minutes for a fee, or within three hours for a lower charge. Drones will operate at altitudes of 250 to 400 feet, travel up to 7.5 miles from the Tracy distribution center, and carry shoebox-sized parcels weighing up to five pounds.

The fully electric fleet produces no emissions and is authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration, with on-site flight monitors managing airspace and liaising with nearby airports. A demonstration is planned for the Sweet Dreams Car Show in downtown Tracy, and Amazon says safety is the priority for every flight. Pricing varies: Prime members get free delivery on orders over $50, while non-members pay a per-order fee.