Amazon to Launch Drone Delivery Service in Chicago's South Suburbs This Summer

Amazon will begin drone delivery service in Chicago’s south suburbs later this year, bringing two-hour package delivery to residents within eight miles of the company’s Matteson and Markham warehouses, according to company officials.

The retail giant showcased its Prime Air program Monday at an open house held at the Tinley Park Convention Center, where residents got their first look at the battery-powered, propeller-driven aircraft that will soon fly over local neighborhoods.

The unmanned drones will deliver packages in two hours or less for an additional $5 fee, according to Josh Bundage, Amazon’s senior manager of its Prime Air Program. Deliveries will originate from Amazon warehouses in Matteson and Markham to take advantage of the millions of products stored at those facilities.

“If a customer is within eight miles, they will see drone checkout as an option when they place their order,” Bundage said at the event.

The service comes with limitations. Orders must fit inside a box slightly larger than a rectangular football, and the entire contents cannot weigh more than five pounds, according to Amazon officials. Heavier orders with multiple items will be split between several drone deliveries.

Customers will see a satellite picture of their house and can select exactly where the drone will drop the package, Bundage explained.

Local residents expressed mixed reactions to the technology demonstration. Terry Throw, who lives about a mile from an Amazon warehouse, said the drones were larger than expected.

“Hopefully it will be alright flying around up there, but we will see,” Throw said.

Her husband Tim showed more enthusiasm for the program. “I like it a lot, it’s the wave of the future,” he said.

Larry Phillips, another attendee, said he found the concept appealing but wished for expanded capabilities. “I just think it’s cool: I just wish they would deliver bigger packages,” Phillips said.

Prince Cutts, who accompanied Phillips to the demonstration, predicted the service would generate neighborhood interest. “It’s going to be something new and different but its going to be very intriguing and awesome for your neighbors to see your packages come to the door,” Cutts said.

Markham Mayor Roger Agpawa said his administration has been collaborating with Amazon on implementation details. The mayor expressed concerns about potential security issues, particularly thieves who might follow the drones, which operate at less than 400 feet above ground.

Agpawa said Amazon has provided assurances about safety protocols for drone malfunctions. “How they deliver the package is important; making sure it doesn’t harm property, a person or even a pet,” the mayor said. “They have vetted this well to make sure everything is going to be safe.”

Bundage acknowledged that Amazon’s drone program has experienced problems in other markets, including crashes. However, he emphasized the aircraft’s safety features and regulatory compliance.

“There is a tremendous amount of redundancy built into the drone. And that’s kind of the backbone of the program that we maintain this very strict aerospace rigor and we are able to account for some of these unforeseen instances,” Bundage said.

The drones operate with Federal Aviation Administration approval, according to Bundage.

Amazon has been developing its drone delivery program for almost a year, according to company information. The south suburbs service launch represents an expansion of the Prime Air program to the Chicago area.

Prime Air service in the south suburbs is expected to begin in late spring or early summer, according to Amazon officials.