45° and Clear
Image
Above, Denise Garcia, Administrator - MassDOT Aeronautics Division
October 22, 2026
Jonathan Greeley
Head of Policy for Amazon in New England
Tareq Wafaie, AICP
Manager, Economic Development Policy
Re: Required review of proposed takeoff and landing areas for Prime Air commercial drone delivery service
Dear Gentlemen:
It has been some time since our first introductory meeting. I am writing now to reiterate the review requirements applicable to the takeoff and landing area Amazon proposes to build in Westborough.
As was conveyed when we first met, Massachusetts law vests the Aeronautics Division of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation with oversight authority over the operation and maintenance of Amazon’s proposed takeoff and landing area in Westborough. Specifically, Section 39B of Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws provides that “[a]ll airports, restricted landing areas, and air navigation facilities shall conform to plans and specifications approved by the [Division] and no such airport, restricted landing area, or air navigation facility shall be maintained or operated unless a certificate of approval of the maintenance and operation thereof is granted and is continued in force.” (Emphasis added). Having been approved by the FAA as an Air Carrier and Operator under 14 CFR Part 135, your proposed operations are commercial flights subject to Section 39B. Amazon cannot establish a takeoff and landing area in Westborough—or anywhere else in Massachusetts—without first obtaining a certificate ofapproval from the Aeronautics Division under Chapter 90.
The Aeronautics Division has not received an official notification or request for review from Amazon at this time. I would remind you that the Aeronautics Division must complete its suitability review and ensure that the proposal poses no threat to safety before any operations can begin in Westborough. The Aeronautics Division will need to assess the risks of adverse environmental impacts, including considering the results of pending litigation over the federal approach to environmental review for this type of installation and determining what Massachusetts environmental review is needed.
We have also heard significant concerns from the community on matters that could bear on our safety determination, including the risks of flight over private property at very low altitudes; the potential for harm to persons and property on the ground given the size and weight of the proposed vehicles; and the need for deconfliction with law enforcement, public safety officials, and other UAS operators. Given the significance of these concerns and the extent of public interest in your proposal, you should expect that the Aeronautics Division will schedule at least one public hearing before making any determination on a certificate of approval.
In the meantime, I would appreciate an update on your plans and the status of the project. I will have a member of my team, Amy Fagerlund, reach out to you to assist with scheduling.
Denise J Garcia
Administrator
