Amazon set to expand drone delivery of lightweight packages to 500 U.S. cities

Amazon says it will expand its drone delivery service for lightweight packages to nearly 500 U.S. cities by the end of the year, potentially enabling deliveries in as fast as 30 minutes. The drones, which Amazon builds, can carry packages up to 5 pounds. The plan would scale the operation more than sixfold nationwide, focusing primarily on suburban areas away from skyscrapers and major airports. Amazon presented the expansion as a way to speed deliveries rather than replace drivers and trucks, noting that each drone can deliver only one package at a time. The move intensifies competition with Walmart, which also uses drones in some locations but relies largely on drivers. Amazon has already delivered hundreds of thousands of packages by drone this year, though the service remains a small share of total volumes.