Amazon deploys 21 drones for low-cost suburban deliveries

Amazon has started operating a fleet of 21 delivery drones from its fulfillment center in Markham. The rollout fulfills a promise the company made earlier this year to bring the service to the region. Each drone carries packages weighing up to five pounds and can travel as far as eight miles from the facility.

The company aims to reduce delivery costs to less than $5 per package. An Amazon spokesperson described the Prime Air service as safe and reliable, noting that customer response has been overwhelmingly positive. The technology allows for faster drop-offs compared to traditional ground transport.

Residents in the immediate area have noticed the change. Paul Bochenk, who lives in Homewood, described the sound of the aircraft. He stated that the noise is not as loud as he expected but remains annoying to hear. Some neighbors have raised safety concerns and are asking for the service to be paused.

Other locals see benefits in the new system. Marty Tully, also from Homewood, said he has already received a package delivered by drone. He noted that the service is quick and reduces the number of delivery drivers on the road. He specifically mentioned the convenience of receiving medications through the air delivery option.

Amazon has not yet officially launched the full public rollout. The company plans to deploy the drones at additional centers in the coming weeks. Residents in the south suburbs may see increased air traffic from the Markham facility as the network expands.