Amazon unit quits drone group, citing disagreement on safety rules

WASHINGTON: Amazon’s drone delivery unit, Prime Air, has withdrawn from the Commercial Drone Alliance, citing disagreements with the industry group over key safety issues.

In a letter seen by Reuters, the company said the alliance’s stance on major safety questions facing the commercial drone sector conflicted with Prime Air’s core safety principles.

Amazon said its operations rely heavily on detect-and-avoid technology, designed to prevent mid-air collisions with other aircraft. The company noted that during more than 70,000 drone flights, the system successfully carried out collision-avoidance manoeuvres in two instances involving potential mid-air collisions that could have resulted in catastrophic consequences, including loss of life.

According to Amazon, the trade group opposes requirements for such technology, a position the company said does not align with its commitment to strict safety standards.

The withdrawal highlights growing debate within the rapidly expanding drone industry over how strongly safety technologies should be mandated as companies scale up commercial drone deliveries.