The bird's-eye view that drone delivery will take in the future will make sending parcels significantly cheaper. So writes Bloomberg News based on research by ARK Invest, a US-based financial research firm.
ARK Invest argues that when drone delivery becomes commonplace, consumers will only have to put down a dollar for same-day delivery; just a fraction of what is paid now ($7.99 per delivery).
Purchase of drones is hefty investment
ARK bases its prediction on Amazon's business data. The US etail giant is already experimenting heavily with delivery drones. If Amazon is given free rein to actually deploy the drones for commercial use, the etailer will have to invest around $400 million to purchase tens of thousands of drones and make them ready for use. It will also have to employ thousands of operators to ensure safe flight. This assumes 400 million delivered parcels a year.
Also read: Amazon tests delivery drone in Canada
Delivery cars and drivers redundant
Subsequent automation will still allow etailers to save on shipping costs after this hefty investment. After all, delivery cars and drivers will become redundant. These are not only more expensive, but also slower than drones.
Permission for drone use
Amazon was finally granted permission from the Federal Aviation Administration to use drones last week. The online retailer is allowed to start testing drones that fly at a speed of 161 kilometres per hour.
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