SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Amazon is seeking approval to launch a drone delivery service in the Syracuse region, operating from its fulfillment center on Morgan Road in the town of Clay.
The proposed service would use Amazon’s battery-powered MK30 drones to deliver packages weighing up to five pounds directly to customers’ properties in an hour or less. The drones can fly at altitudes of approximately 200 feet and travel at speeds of up to 74 miles per hour while en route to delivery locations.
Amazon Prime Air currently operates nine facilities in five different states across the country, in Texas, Michigan, Kansas, Arizona and Florida with five of its nine facilities in the state of Texas.
According to plans submitted for review, the drone delivery operation would serve a 7.5-mile radius around the Clay fulfillment center, covering roughly 176 square miles. The service area would include portions of Syracuse, Clay, Cicero, North Syracuse, Fairmount and DeWitt.
The proposal has generated interest among some Central New York residents, who see the potential benefits of faster delivery times.
“I think it’s definitely interesting,” said Central New York resident Spencer Root. “It definitely provides a lot more convenience for small deliveries and things of that nature.”
However, not all residents are fully supportive of the idea. Some have raised concerns about the potential impact on employment.
“I think it will put people out of a job so I don’t know if that’s a good thing,” said Central New York resident Jennifer Michaud.
The proposal has drawn attention because of its proximity to the Syracuse Hancock International Airport. However, airport officials do not currently anticipate any impact on operations.
“As far as the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority is aware, this will have no impact on airport operations at this point,” the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority said in an email. “It is more of an issue between the FAA and Amazon.”
Before the service can begin operations, Amazon must obtain approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), along with any required local permits and site plan approvals. The company is currently working with federal regulators and local governments to secure the necessary clearances.
If approved, Amazon’s service would not be the first drone delivery operation in Central New York. Upstate Medical University already operates Air Upstate, a drone program designed to improve the speed and efficiency of medical deliveries across the region.
Air Upstate uses uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, to transport medications, laboratory specimens, and other healthcare-related materials between medical facilities. One of the program’s key services, known as “Meds to Beds,” delivers discharge medications from the Broad Road Outpatient Pharmacy to Community General Hospital, helping reduce wait times for patients who are ready to return home.
While Amazon’s drone delivery network has not yet received final approval, the company continues to advance plans that could bring rapid aerial package delivery to thousands of residents across the Syracuse area.
Residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposal during a town of Clay Planning Board meeting scheduled for June 10 at 7:30 p.m.