SF Express, China’s biggest express-delivery company, has signed an agreement with Yifei Aviation Technology to purchase 100 ES1000 large unmanned cargo aircraft.

Debut at the Zhuhai Airshow last November, Yifei Aviation’s ES1000 is set to reduce dependence on traditional runways and enabling operations from small airports, roads, and unpaved airstrips. This flexibility could significantly enhance cargo delivery efficiency, especially in remote or underserved areas.

Under the agreement, both sides will pilot ultra-short takeoff and landing (USTOL) unmanned cargo aircraft for regional and last-mile delivery services.