A quiet revolution is transforming China's logistics landscape as the nation's first large-scale intercity drone logistics route successfully completed its maiden flight. The breakthrough journey covered 540 kilometers from Yulin, Shaanxi Province to Xi'an in just 2 hours and 47 minutes, delivering 1.5 tons of fresh mutton with a remarkable 70% reduction in transport time.
This historic flight marks the official commencement of large drone trunk logistics in China, demonstrating the immense potential of unmanned aerial technology in intercity freight transport. The industry has achieved what would have seemed impossible just years ago—evolving from limited urban last-mile deliveries to cross-regional logistics spanning hundreds of kilometers.
Low-altitude economy is entering its golden age, particularly in logistics. Drones offer unparalleled efficiency, lower long-term operational costs, and extensive service coverage—advantages that promise to revolutionize traditional freight systems. Government support has been instrumental, with policies across China actively encouraging drone logistics applications and accelerating market growth.
In the past year alone, multiple provincial governments have introduced measures to promote drone utilization, including pioneering low-altitude airspace management reforms to ensure effective utilization. Shenzhen recently enacted China's first low-altitude economy regulations, setting a national precedent for industry development.
Market forecasts paint an ambitious picture: China's low-altitude logistics sector is projected to reach 1.2-1.5 trillion yuan by 2025, potentially expanding to 4.5-6.05 trillion yuan by 2035. These staggering projections explain the industry's current flurry of activity as major players showcase innovations to capture emerging opportunities.
While most drone applications currently focus on last-mile delivery, technological advancements and evolving market needs are making intercity logistics increasingly viable. Scenic areas already employ drones for food delivery, while remote regions are adopting innovative "drone + autonomous vehicle + instant delivery" models to enhance efficiency. Medical supply deliveries via drone have demonstrated particular effectiveness in emergency situations.
The successful maiden flight of this intercity route has shifted industry attention from last-mile solutions to broader logistics networks. Research indicates China's logistics drone market remains concentrated in short-distance delivery, but large drones now enable trunk transport over extended ranges. The 540-kilometer journey not only breaks distance records but also paves the way for future 1,200-kilometer single trips, signaling vast potential in intercity applications.
Forward-thinking companies are already positioning themselves in this emerging sector. SF Express and JD.com pioneered China's drone delivery market—SF's Fengyi drones have established cross-city networks, while JD continues developing diverse drone models from heavy-duty to lightweight variants. Meituan is actively exploring instant logistics solutions through new route development.
Despite promising prospects, challenges remain. High investment costs for large drones and specialized talent shortages create barriers for small and medium logistics firms. Current applications primarily serve niche markets like fresh food and medical supplies, requiring broader commercialization. Most crucially, sustainable development depends on resolving airspace management and regulatory frameworks through continued policy refinement.
As drone technology advances and market demand grows, low-altitude economy's potential appears limitless. The successful intercity drone route inaugurates both opportunities and challenges for logistics transformation. While drone adoption promises to reshape traditional freight systems and dramatically improve efficiency, industry stakeholders must address cost structures, regulatory environments, and talent development to fully realize this technological revolution.
