The low-altitude economy is experiencing unprecedented growth, with drone-based logistics emerging as one of its most promising and eye-catching applications.
A Sky-High Revolution in Food Delivery
Imagine ordering a hot meal at the top of a mountain and having it delivered in just over ten minutes by a flying drone. This futuristic service is quickly gaining popularity across China’s scenic destinations.
Last August, the Badaling Great Wall in Beijing launched the city’s first regular drone delivery route. During this year’s Spring Festival, small drones carrying food and beverages flying over the Great Wall became an attraction, drawing the attention of tourists.
Following a structured delivery process, drones transport meals from various restaurants and food vendors on the pedestrian street at the foot of the Great Wall to designated collection points.
Typically, once an order is placed, the drone can reach the collection site within 15 minutes, factoring in preparation, loading, and round-trip travel time. Staff then unpack the food and hand it over to the customer.
Dining options include well-known chains like Subway, KFC, and Luckin Coffee, local porridge shops, barbecue restaurants, and convenience stores. The delivery fee is comparable to regular food delivery services, making it an attractive option for tourists.
Public reports indicate that since the second half of last year, numerous scenic spots across China have introduced drone delivery services, including Thousand Buddha Mountain in Jinan, Longlingshan Ecological Park in Wuhan, and Binhu National Forest Park in Hefei.
High-Paying Jobs and Expanding Market
As the demand for skilled professionals in the low-altitude economy grows, related technical positions are becoming high-paying and highly sought after.
In Beijing, jobs in this sector have emerged as lucrative career choices. Aircraft control algorithm engineers earn a median monthly salary of 29,435 yuan, while drone flight engineers and low-altitude aircraft designers make over 26,000 yuan.
In Fujian, drone piloting is becoming an increasingly popular career path for young people in Zhangzhou. Recently, the city held its first drone pilot professional skill certification exam, covering multiple areas such as drone operation, maintenance, and applications.
Most of the exam candidates were born in the 1980s and 1990s, though many from the 1970s and 2000s also participated. Their backgrounds spanned a wide range of industries, including construction, education consulting, agriculture, security, and electronics.
As drone services become more integrated into daily life, the public is increasingly curious about their future applications. The Civil Aviation Administration of China estimates that the domestic low-altitude economy will reach 1.5 trillion yuan by 2025 and soar to 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035, highlighting immense market potential.
Written by Chen Wang, additional reporting by CNS、FJSEN.com.
If you liked this article why not read: In China, The AI Chef is Coming
