Olivia Asher is a reporter at the New Herald Tribune covering breaking news for the Digital Trends Desk. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, she covered criminal justice issues at the Orlando Plain Dealer.
December 14 , 2024
New Jersey – Amazon has officially rolled out its long-anticipated drone delivery service, offering faster, more efficient deliveries to select customers in New Jersey. The new "pilot-less" program aims to reduce delivery times significantly, with drones capable of transporting packages directly to customers' doorsteps—or, in some cases, golf courses. The first major test of the system took place earlier this week when a set of matching His and Hers golf clubs were delivered to the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Amazon's drone program is poised to redefine the way people shop during the holiday rush. While the pilot-less drones are currently confined to a select area of New Jersey, the company has ambitious plans to expand the service to other parts of the United States as early as next year.
"We're thrilled to offer this innovative service to our New Jersey customers, especially during such a busy shopping season," said Amazon spokesperson Claire Reynolds. "With drone deliveries, we're able to ensure faster, more convenient service for our customers, particularly in areas where traffic or logistical challenges can cause delays."
The drones, which are fully autonomous and do not require human pilots, use advanced navigation systems, AI, and machine learning to navigate through airspace and avoid obstacles, including buildings and trees. They also feature a safety mechanism that allows for emergency landings if something goes awry during transit.
While drone deliveries may still seem like something out of a science fiction movie for many, the initial pilot deliveries have been nothing short of high-profile. The first official package delivered was, perhaps fittingly, a set of customized golf clubs ordered by Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, the former site of a presidential retreat. The His and Hers golf club sets, which were reportedly ordered by the Trump family for the golf course’s pro shop, marked the beginning of Amazon’s high-profile rollout.
The delivery, which took less than 30 minutes from dispatch to arrival, was made at the golf course’s designated landing zone—a flat, open space near the clubhouse. The clubs were carefully lowered to the ground using a release mechanism that ensures delicate items are not damaged upon arrival.
The Trump family has yet to comment on the delivery, but sources close to the club have expressed excitement about the service. “It’s an amazing innovation,” one source said. “To think that something ordered online could be here in such a short time, it’s a game-changer for businesses and high-end clientele alike.”
Despite the excitement, the program is not without its challenges. Regulatory hurdles around airspace management and safety remain key considerations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been involved in overseeing Amazon's drone program, and the company is working closely with state and federal authorities to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
In addition to ensuring drones can safely navigate New Jersey's airspace, Amazon has also invested in a fleet of specialized ground crew members who monitor drone flights in real time and are ready to step in should any issues arise.
“We are taking every precaution to ensure our drones operate in a safe and responsible manner,” said Reynolds. “Safety is our top priority, and we’re committed to meeting all federal and state requirements as we continue to innovate.”
For now, Amazon’s drone deliveries are limited to a small geographic area within New Jersey. However, the company has plans to scale the program across the country in 2025, with a focus on major metropolitan areas and other states where logistical challenges could benefit from drone technology.
Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved.