Mount Everest has witnessed a revolutionary moment as Chinese drone manufacturer DJI successfully delivered supplies to its first destination on the mountain. The drone delivery involved transporting three oxygen bottles and other essentials from Base Camp to Camp 1, with the same FlyCart 30 drone also used to carry trash back down to Base Camp at an altitude of 5,364 meters.
DJI’s FlyCart 30 underwent extensive testing to ensure it could handle the extreme conditions on Everest, including high winds, low temperatures, and weight capacity tests. The company stated that using drones for transportation will reduce the burden on Sherpas who risk their lives navigating the treacherous Khumbu Icefall to deliver supplies.
Christina Zhang, DJI’s Senior Corporate Strategy Director, emphasized the potential of drones to revolutionize logistics on Everest, facilitate trash cleanup efforts and improve safety for all parties involved. This innovative approach has the potential to transform how supplies and waste are transported on Everest, making it safer and more efficient for climbers and support teams.
