Six years after originally applying (see "Amazon Applies for Drone Permits"), the Federal Aviation Administration has granted the Amazon Prime Air request for a permit to use unmanned aircraft systems for deliveries, according to AdWeek.  The goal is to deliver within 30 minutes of the order being received.  Amazon developed extensive safety protocols and technology to clear the requirements for the permit.

UPS was granted a similar permit last October, and completed test deliveries of two prescriptions in Cary, North Carolina.