Hong Kong has taken a leap into the future with the launch of its first drone-powered food delivery route. On June 6, a drone operated by Keeta, a subsidiary of China’s leading food delivery platform Meituan, lifted off from Hong Kong Science Park in Sha Tin and delivered a meal to Ma On Shan Promenade.
The drone covered a distance of 1.8 kilometers across the sea in just five minutes. This is a significant improvement compared to the typical 40-minute journey for road couriers, who need to drive 7.8 kilometers to make the same delivery.
The service is part of a pilot program under Hong Kong’s new regulatory sandbox for the low-altitude economy, introduced by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government. Michael Wong, deputy financial secretary of the HKSAR government and head of the Working Group on Developing Low-Altitude Economy, attended the launch ceremony and expressed the government’s support for such innovations.
“Hong Kong will continue to facilitate the development of the low-altitude economy,” Wong said. He added that commercial projects in this sector will be market-led, with the government working to break down regulatory barriers and provide supporting infrastructure.
According to Wong, the second phase of the regulatory sandbox will open for applications in the coming months. Meanwhile, Meituan plans to expand its drone delivery services, including opening a new route between the science park and residential areas in Ma On Shan. Deliveries will be made to automated aerial drop-off lockers, enhancing efficiency and convenience for residents.
Mao Yiping, vice president of Meituan, stated that the company is committed to leveraging technology to improve urban living. “We aim to provide faster and more efficient delivery services, and drones are a key part of that vision,” Mao said.
