Archive — CN — technode
Meituan secures China’s first nationwide drone delivery license, ramping upcompetition with Google Wing
Meituan has achieved a milestone by obtaining China's first nationwide drone delivery license for low-altitude logistics, allowing it to enhance its competitive edge against Google Wing. The drone is designed to operate in extreme weather and has conducted over 450,000 deliveries since its program began in 2017, significantly impacting urban logistics.
Key points
- Meituan's fourth-generation drone passes review by CAAC, earning China's first nationwide drone delivery license.
- The drone is engineered for extreme weather, functioning in temperatures from -20°C to 50°C, and is capable in moderate rain, snow, and winds up to level 6.
- Meituan's drone program began in 2017, leading to over 450,000 commercial deliveries by end of 2024.
- The deliveries span 53 routes across major cities like Shenzhen, Beijing, and Shanghai.
- Meituan's drone delivery volume now matches that of Google Wing, positioning both companies as co-leaders in global drone logistics.
Why it matters
- The rise of drone delivery services coincides with increasing demand for fast logistics in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- By 2025, advancements in drone technology will significantly impact supply chains and delivery services, enhancing efficiency.
- Similar trends are observed globally, with companies investing in drone technology to improve delivery systems.
Meituan's achievement in securing China's first nationwide drone delivery license underscores its commitment to innovation and positions it favorably against competitors like Google Wing in the rapidly evolving logistics sector.