Did anyone ever imagine drone delivery on Mount Everest? It’s now a reality. DJI, Nepalese drone service Airlift, video production company 8KRAW, and mountain guide Mingma Gyalje Sherpa have completed the first successful drone delivery tests on Mount Everest.
These tests, conducted in April, showcased the DJI FlyCart 30’s ability to carry 15kg payloads in the extreme conditions of Everest. The drone delivered three oxygen bottles and 1.5kg of supplies from Everest Base Camp to Camp 1 (5,300-6,000m ASL) and brought back trash on the return trip.
Why does this first-ever initiative matter? It showcases the advanced capabilities of drones in extreme conditions, potentially paving the way for similar applications in other high-risk or remote areas.
Traditionally, Sherpa guides have transported supplies and cleared trash on Everest, often crossing the icefall over 30 times a season to carry items like oxygen bottles, gas canisters, tents, food, and ropes.
Sustainable practices
Due to adverse weather, the Everest climbing season is limited to April and May. Because of recent successful trials, the Nepalese government contracted a local drone service company to start drone delivery operations on the southern slope of Everest beginning May 22.
Using delivery drones in high-altitude areas enhances safety and efficiency while promoting environmental conservation and sustainable practices in mountaineering.
Launched globally in January 2024, the DJI FlyCart 30 offers practical transport solutions for local needs. It has been used for planting saplings on steep hillsides, line pulling in Japan, solar PV installation in Mexico, mountain fire rescue in Norway, and scientific research in Antarctica.
DJI Technology is a Chinese technology company that specializes in manufacturing unmanned aerial drones, for both recreational and commercial use. The company has offices in the US, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
Drone delivery for fleet management
There are several reasons drones are being used for delivery. The standout has to be the speed of delivery. Drones fly above ground and are not restricted by traffic. Another factor is deliveries will not be hampered by the issue of labor shortages, and they may be in flight during a lunch hour when a person has to take breaks – the drone does not.
Drones are cost-effective. Imagine a courier fleet’s fuel bill at the end of each month. The drone does not travel on roads, so there is less wear and tear on the drone than a vehicle that may be stranded at a service center for a particular problem.
Vehicle repairs can be costly. In addition, drones do not emit toxic fumes. Drones are able to travel above rough terrain and provide an aerial route straight to the delivery point.
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Photo Credits: DJI
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About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.