Hong Kong just leveled up its food delivery game! China’s tech giant Meituan launched its first drone-powered delivery route in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region this week, slashing delivery times from 40 minutes to just five. 🚁✨
The Keeta drone, operated by Meituan’s subsidiary, zipped 1.8 kilometers across the sea from Hong Kong Science Park to Ma On Shan Promenade – a journey that would take road couriers nearly an hour. Talk about a sky-high upgrade! 🌊⏱️
Why It Matters
This pilot is part of Hong Kong’s new low-altitude economy sandbox, designed to fast-track futuristic tech. Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong called it a 'milestone,' adding that the government will break regulatory barriers to support market-led projects. 💼🔓
Phase two of the sandbox opens soon, and Meituan plans to expand routes to residential areas with aerial drop-off lockers. Imagine grabbing your dim sum straight from the sky! 🥟📦
What’s Next?
With drones cutting emissions and traffic, this could reshape urban logistics globally. As Wong said: 'Hong Kong is committed to being a testing ground for innovation.' 🌏🔋
