Amazon takes first step to launch drone delivery service in Australia

Tech giant Amazon has taken the first step towards launching drone delivery operations in Australia, but warnings from the United States are highlighting potential problems with the futuristic service. The online retail behemoth is now advertising for a head of regulatory approvals in Australia, whose job will be securing every approval required to deliver to Australian customers by drone. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Amazon plans drone delivery launch in Australia According to the job listing, success will be measured by “ultimately, Australian customers receiving drone deliveries”. In the US, Amazon’s Prime Air Mark 30 drone carries packages of up to 2.2kg, travelling up to 12km from an Amazon hub. The service is currently flying from 11 sites, with Amazon aiming to reach 500 cities and towns by year’s end. But the rollout hasn’t been without issues. Despite cameras, sensors and avoidance technology, the drones have crashed into apartment buildings and narrowly missed pets. Noise has emerged as a major complaint, with protests claiming the drones are too low, too loud and too frequent. “I can hear them even in my home when I’m inside with the TV on,” one US resident said. Amazon has insisted the drones are no louder than a delivery van passing by. Privacy is another concern, with cameras and sensors needed for the see-and-avoid systems flying over people’s properties. Tech expert Stephen Fenech said there are significant hurdles before the service could launch in Australia. “There’s going to be a lot of work that needs to be done to be able to successfully operate in city areas,” he said. Graham Wild from the University of NSW agreed the timeline for Australian operations could be lengthy. “Based on this advertisement, I wouldn’t say it’s months away. I’d say it’s years away,” he said.