China’s first cargo drone capable of transporting goods weighing up to one tonne is set to begin commercial operations in 2026, according to Xinhua. The unmanned aircraft, named the TP1000, successfully completed a 26-minute maiden flight on Saturday.
Developed by the state-owned Yi-Tong UAV System Co., the TP1000 boasts an impressive flight range of 1,000 kilometers when fully loaded, and a maximum take-off weight of 3.3 tonnes. The drone is designed with a large rear cargo door and a 7-cubic-meter cargo hold, making it ideal for transporting goods.
Yi-Tong’s general manager, Jin Ge, stated that the company plans to secure an airworthiness certificate for the TP1000 by the end of 2025, with a goal of launching commercial operations in 2026, pending regulatory approval.
The company has already received 30 orders for the TP1000, with Jin highlighting the drone’s versatility. He noted that it could be “quickly modified” to meet customer needs, with potential applications ranging from marine monitoring to regional infrastructure projects.
Yi-Tong has also developed the TP500, capable of carrying 500 kilograms, and the TR100, which can handle 150 kilograms. Jin emphasized that the TP1000 and TP500 would help meet the growing demand for low-altitude logistics.
The “low-altitude economy” was specifically mentioned in China’s new Special Action Plan for boosting consumption. The Civil Aviation Administration of China has estimated that this sector could be worth 2 trillion yuan (US$277 billion) by 2030. It refers to unmanned craft operating below altitudes of 3,000 meters, representing a significant opportunity in the evolving logistics industry.
