Shandong's first drone-delivered admission letters land in Changdao

The drone carrying admission letters lands at the designated receiving point in Changdao, Yantai. [Photo/Qilu Evening News]

In a groundbreaking development, the Yantai Penglai Branch of China Post Group, in collaboration with the Shandong Branch of China Postal Express & Logistics, has successfully used a drone to deliver college admission letters to students in Changdao, Yantai, marking a first for Shandong province.

The drone departed from Shahekou Airport in Penglai district before soaring across the Bohai Strait. About 30 minutes later, it landed at the designated receiving point in Changdao. Postal workers then retrieved the letters and completed the final steps of the delivery process.

"Thanks to China Post, I now have the unforgettable memory of my admission letter arriving by drone, crossing mountains and seas to reach me," one delighted student remarked.

Located in northern Yantai, Changdao consists of 151 islands. Residents have long relied on ferries for regular communication, which poses challenges, especially during adverse weather conditions like strong winds and dense fog, making timely mail delivery difficult. 

The introduction of the cross-sea drone delivery route by China Post overcomes the barriers of water transit, bypasses ferry delays, and significantly enhances the speed of urgent mail delivery. This service reduces the entire delivery process to just 24 to 35 minutes, while achieving precise point-to-point delivery.