Cloudy with a chance of Big Macs: McDonald’s and Meituan launch drone route in Shanghai

Shanghai’s bustling riverfront has become the latest testing ground for urban logistics technology, with McDonald’s and Chinese food-delivery giant Meituan joining forces to launch the country’s first catering brand-exclusive drone-delivery route.

Commencing operations last week, the new service allows visitors strolling or exercising along the scenic West Bund area in Shanghai’s Xuhui district to have their fast-food orders ‘airdropped’ directly to designated kiosks, according to a recent statement by district authorities.

The 3.1km (1.93-mile) flight path, originating from a McDonald’s restaurant in Xuhui, is designed to serve thousands of office workers in the area, as well as the large crowds of tourists who frequent the riverside, the statement said.

The customised drones can handle a maximum payload of 2.4kg (5.29lbs) and complete waterfront deliveries in as fast as 10 minutes, according to an official Meituan statement.