Chinese logistics service provider SF Express has placed an order for 100 ES1000 unmanned cargo aircraft from Yifei Aviation Technology.
“This strategic investment represents one of the largest commitments to unmanned aerial logistics technology by any global courier company and signals a transformative shift in how SF Express plans to serve its customers in the coming years,” said SF in a Linkedin post.
SF Express and Yifei Aviation will collaborate on pilot operations using these large-scale unmanned transport aircraft, which are specifically engineered for ultra-short take-off and landing capabilities in branch line and regional aviation logistics.
According to Yifei Aviation, the ES1000 uses a hybrid-electric drive and has a maximum take-off weight of 4500 kilograms, with a maximum payload of 1.8 tons and a potential range of 1,200 kilometres.
“For customers in remote or difficult-to-access areas, the deployment of the ES1000 fleet promises to dramatically improve service reliability and delivery times,” said SF. “Areas that previously experienced delays due to challenging terrain or limited transportation infrastructure will benefit from more direct aerial delivery routes. This expansion of reliable service coverage represents a significant value addition for customers in underserved regions and could potentially open new markets for businesses that rely on dependable logistics services.
SF Express has established a subsidiary called Fonair (or “Phoenix Wings”) to develop specialized expertise in drone operations.
For more information
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sf-express-orders-100-es1000-unmanned-cargo-aircraft-ne3hf/?trackingId=Bt4L82x%2FK3FuMBkDHg%2BQzw%3D%3D