Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-12-22 12:23Core Insights - Meituan's drone business has expanded significantly, launching multiple products and operating 65 routes in cities including Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Dubai, completing 740,000 commercial orders to date [1][3][4] Group 1: Company Developments - Meituan has introduced new drone products, including a low-altitude air network and an intelligent drone docking airport, enhancing its logistics capabilities [1] - The fourth-generation drone, M4L long-range version, can carry up to 4.5 kg and has a maximum range of 20 km, catering to various delivery needs [3] - Meituan's drone delivery orders have increased by 70,000 in less than three months, indicating a daily average growth of nearly 800 orders [5][6] Group 2: Industry Trends - The low-altitude economy is gaining traction, supported by government policies aimed at promoting smart logistics and drone delivery systems [7] - Major competitors like JD Logistics and SF Express are also investing heavily in drone technology, with JD planning to purchase 3 million robots and 100,000 drones over the next five years [8] - The market for low-altitude economy is projected to reach 1.5 trillion yuan by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.8% from 2023 to 2025 [9] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The demand for faster delivery times is increasing, with consumers expecting deliveries within 30 minutes, further driving the need for drone logistics [4] - Despite the growth in drone delivery, traditional delivery methods remain dominant in most scenarios, with drone services acting as a supplementary option [11] - The stability and cost-effectiveness of drone delivery are critical for its scalability, as high costs compared to human delivery could hinder widespread adoption [11]