Chinese drone maker DJI’s FlyCart 30 has passed all the tests and is now officially the cargo haulage drone of choice for sherpas and other people working at Mt Everest.
The manufacturer has just announced that, after successfully supporting the 2025 spring climbing season on the world’s highest mountain, and also following last year’s successful high-altitude waste removal trial, the delivery drone is now officially deployed for routine service.
“In total, the drone ferried 1,259 kg of supplies and waste across the mountain’s treacherous terrain,” the company said in a statement.
“By shifting the burden to machines, human sherpas no longer need to walk for 6-8 hours each day and risk their lives carrying supplies across the hazardous Khumbu Icefall.
“This monumental achievement fulfills DJI’s efforts to bring innovative drone technology to support high-altitude operations and improve worker safety. It also sets a new benchmark for mountaineering logistics, and the company is optimistic that the success on Mount Everest can be replicated on other peaks.”
Trials began last year when DJI teamed up with Nepalese drone service company Airlift, video production company 8KRAW, and Nepalese certified mountain guide Mingma Gyalje Sherpa, to carry out the cargo deliveries.
The drone was able to carry 15kg payloads even in the extreme altitude and environmental conditions of Mount Everest.
Cargo included supplies for climbers, such as oxygen tanks, as well as aiding cleanup efforts by flying trash dumped on the upper echelons of the mountain down to the foot.
During the tests, three oxygen bottles and 1.5kg of other supplies were flown from Everest Base Camp to Camp 1 (5,300-6,000m ASL).
“The use of delivery drones in high-altitude regions enhances safety and logistics efficiency,” the company added.
“It underscores the mountaineering sector’s commitment to eco-friendly operations and highlights the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices within the industry.”
Launched globally in January 2024, DJI FlyCart 30 provides practical transportation solutions tailored to the unique needs and challenges of locals living in mountainous terrain.
And there have already been many incredible success stories. In Japan, FlyCart 30 was deployed to help plant saplings in steep hillside environments and for line pulling.
Meanwhile, it has transformed solar PV installation in Mexico, aided mountain fire rescue efforts in Norway, and improved scientific research operations in Antarctica.
Last week, DJI also launched a bigger version of its cargo drone, the DJI FlyCart 100, which can haul cargo as heavy as 80kg.
For now at least, the drone is only available to the Chinese market.