"In a significant advancement for automated logistics, Hubei Province has successfully completed the maiden flight of its first inter-city drone logistics route. This successful cargo drone route test marks a critical step in developing a commercial drone delivery route network for the region. The flight demonstrates the practical application of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for urban-air mobility logistics, positioning Hubei as a leader in the drone logistics sector in Central China."
On August 22nd, Hubei Province's first inter-city drone logistics route successfully completed its maiden flight. The route flew from Wuhan's Hanzheng Street to the Huazhong Down Apparel Smart Industrial Park in Hanchuan, Xiaogan, covering a total of 50 kilometers in just approximately 35 minutes.
The flight, operated by Hubei Dianying Technology Group Co., Ltd., utilized a vertical take-off and landing fixed-wing drone with a payload of 3-5 kg. The flight plan was approved by the drone comprehensive supervision service platform and monitored by a certified pilot, providing multiple safety and security safeguards.
The launch of this route has effectively improved logistics efficiency, avoided ground traffic congestion, and reduced transportation time by over 50% compared to traditional land transportation. It can meet the time-sensitive logistics needs of samples and expedited orders, fostering the coordinated development of the apparel industry in Wuhan and surrounding cities, and providing a new paradigm for low-altitude economic applications.
"The establishment of this inter-city drone logistics corridor represents more than a technical demonstration; it validates a new model for middle-mile drone delivery that can connect warehouses across cities. The success of this Hubei drone logistics initiative provides a scalable blueprint for other provinces in China and internationally. This achievement in Hubei UAS logistics development showcases the potential for cargo drone routes to revolutionize supply chain efficiency, reduce road congestion, and lower carbon emissions in regional logistics networks."
