Amazon Leases 40 Jets, Tests Drones to Meet Demand from Prime Members
In August, Amazon unveiled its first Prime Air cargo jet, a Boeing 767, as part of its new fleet of planes that will help online retailer Amazon meet its two-day shipping promise to Prime members, reports Recode. That fleet now includes 40 jets leased by Amazon.com, says Reuters in a new report. According to the report, the cargo planes are flying with nearly-full, lightweight loads to at least 10 U.S. airports including Seattle, Tampa and Charlotte. The cargo is then unloaded and distributed from nearby fulfillment centers and warehouses to Amazon customers. The report also said that because of Amazon’s new planes, it is eating into business from FedExp and UPS. Amazon can now fly larger items, particularly bulky items, in its own planes.