Amazon is significantly expanding its Prime Air drone delivery service across the United States, adding the Chicago and Atlanta metro areas along with several other regions in the coming months. The retailer says it aims to reach almost 500 towns and cities by the end of the year, a sixfold increase on current coverage, as it pushes to make rapid drone delivery a mainstream part of its logistics network.

Prime Air currently operates from 11 sites across 10 metro areas, including Phoenix, Tampa, Houston and Dallas, each covering 175 square miles. Alongside Chicago and Atlanta, Amazon plans to launch in Syracuse, Cleveland and Boise, with further expansion expected later in the year. The drones can carry items up to five pounds that fit in a large shoebox, with most orders delivered within 60 minutes; Prime members get free delivery on orders over $50, while others pay a $3 or $5 fee depending on membership status.