Drone Delivery Shuffle: Amazon Moves from California to Arizona
Amazon Ends Prime Air Drone Delivery in California, Expands to Arizona
Amazon is making significant changes to its Prime Air drone delivery program. The company announced it will be closing its drone delivery site in Lockeford, California, while simultaneously launching a new location in Tolleson, Arizona. This move marks another chapter in Amazon’s pioneering but challenging journey to make drone deliveries a reality.
Lockeford Operations Winding Down
Amazon’s Prime Air drone delivery program in Lockeford, California, which opened for business in 2022, is now coming to an end. According to The Verge, the company did not provide a clear reason for the closure but stated that employees at the Lockeford location will be offered “opportunities at other sites.”
Arizona Expansion
As Lockeford operations wind down, Amazon is launching a new Prime Air location in Tolleson, Arizona. The new site is expected to provide “same-day” deliveries to residents in the West Valley Phoenix metro area, with operations set to begin later this year.
Ongoing Testing and Development
Amazon’s latest drone model, the MK30, is currently undergoing testing. This new drone is designed to be lighter, fly through light rain, and replace the current models by the end of 2024. The company previously faced setbacks with other models that sometimes crashed and burned during testing.
Challenges and Competition
Despite its early start in the drone delivery space, Amazon has fallen behind its competitors over the years. In 2013, then-CEO Jeff Bezos predicted drone deliveries would be available within four to five years. However, by mid-2023, the company had only made around 100 deliveries, far short of its goal of 10,000 by the end of that year. In contrast, rival delivery company Zipline reported completing 1,000,000 drone deliveries as of April 19th, 2024.
Amazon’s decision to close its Lockeford drone delivery site while expanding to Arizona demonstrates the company’s ongoing efforts to refine and improve its Prime Air program. Despite facing challenges and falling behind competitors, Amazon remains committed to making drone deliveries a reality. As the company continues to test and develop new drone models, it aims to overcome obstacles and eventually fulfill its vision of fast, efficient, and widespread drone delivery services.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
Proposed legislation threatens your ability to use drones for fun, work, and safety. The Drone Advocacy Alliance is fighting to ensure your voice is heard in these critical policy discussions.Join us and tell your elected officials to protect your right to fly.
Get your Part 107 Certificate
Pass the Part 107 test and take to the skies with the Pilot Institute. We have helped thousands of people become airplane and commercial drone pilots. Our courses are designed by industry experts to help you pass FAA tests and achieve your dreams.
Copyright ยฉ DroneXL.co 2025. All rights reserved. The content, images, and intellectual property on this website are protected by copyright law. Reproduction or distribution of any material without prior written permission from DroneXL.co is strictly prohibited. For permissions and inquiries, please contact us first. DroneXL.co is a proud partner of the Drone Advocacy Alliance. Be sure to check out DroneXL's sister site, EVXL.co, for all the latest news on electric vehicles.
FTC: DroneXL.co is an Amazon Associate and uses affiliate links that can generate income from qualifying purchases. We do not sell, share, rent out, or spam your email.
