(Yicai) March 28 -- SF Express has started trial operations of a drone delivery route between Shenzhen and Zhuhai that halves the time of regular road transportation, as the use of low-altitude airspace takes off in many part of the country, the Zhuhai Express Industry Association said yesterday.

There is only one drone in operation at the moment and it is being used to transport urgent deliveries such as emergency medical equipment and emergency rescue supplies, said Fan Jiayi, manager of the public affairs department of the Shenzhen-based company. In the future its uses will be expanded to carrying daily necessities, specialty products and electrical equipment.

It takes the drone, which can reach a cruising speed of 65 kilometers an hour, 40 minutes to make the journey, half that of ordinary road transport, SF Express said. Once it arrives at the express sorting depot, the outlet will organize last mile delivery. The drone can carry a maximum of 20 kilograms per flight. Between eight to 10 flights are being scheduled each day.

During the trial period, users in need can book a drone delivery between Shenzhen and Zhuhai on the SF Express website. Delivery times are around four hours and it costs approximately CNY400 (USD5.50) per parcel at the moment. Pricing includes a base rate, additional weight fees and mileage charges.

Editor: Kim Taylor