Hey tech enthusiasts! In a major leap for urban mobility, China's leading food delivery platform Meituan has launched its first drone-powered food delivery route in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. On June 6, a Keeta drone lifted off from the Hong Kong Science Park in Sha Tin and successfully delivered food to Ma On Shan Promenade.
This innovative service covered a distance of 1.8 kilometers across the sea in just five minutes—an impressive upgrade compared to the typical 40-minute journey by road couriers covering 7.8 kilometers. Talk about speedy service! 🚀
The launch is part of a pilot program under Hong Kong's new regulatory sandbox for the low-altitude economy, introduced by the HKSAR government in late 2024. Michael Wong, deputy financial secretary and head of the Working Group on Developing Low-Altitude Economy, highlighted the city's commitment to breaking down regulatory barriers and supporting market-led commercial projects.
Meituan plans to expand its service coverage even further. According to company vice president Mao Yiping, future routes will include connections between the science park and residential areas in Ma On Shan, with deliveries to automated aerial drop-off lockers. This exciting development reflects how technology continues to transform everyday life, making urban living faster and more efficient for everyone.
Reference(s):
China's Meituan launches first drone delivery route in Hong Kong
cgtn.com
