Amazon picks Darlington for drone deliveries trial
Eligible customers were able to order small items and get them delivered in under an hour, with the drone able to avoid obstacles and find a designated spot to drop the package on the ground.
But there is still a long way to go before Amazon's drones will be flying parcels over Darlington.
Crucially, it needs clearance from the CAA to use the airspace.
Amazon has been chosen by the regulator to take part in new trials to expand the use of drones in the UK.
It is one of six organisations now trialling flights without operators needing to maintain physical sight of them, although Amazon has not revealed where this is taking place.
In a statement the CAA said it was working with companies to make drone operations beyond visual line of sight "a safe and every day reality".
Teesside International Airport said its senior management and air traffic control had worked closely with Amazon over the past 18 months to provide guidance and support.
Amazon is also submitting a planning application with the local council to build an area next to the warehouse for flights to take off and land.
The company's fulfilment centre in Darlington is just a few miles from the town centre, making it a handy location to reach customers.
The BBC understands that it is seeking to fly within a seven and a half mile radius excluding the nearby airport.
But Amazon needs to persuade residents about its plans.
It will hold a community event in Darlington next month to answer questions and collect feedback.
