Airlift Ventures, a Nepal-based company, accomplished a groundbreaking milestone by conducting the world's first drone delivery at extreme altitude. From April 25 to May 1, 2024, the company successfully tested FC30 cargo drones on Mount Everest's southern slope.
Historic Achievement
This groundbreaking operation established a new civilian record for drone transport, operating between 5,300 and 6,000 meters altitude. The achievement marks a significant milestone in high-altitude logistics and demonstrates the potential of autonomous systems in extreme environments.
Operational Efficiency
The FC30 cargo drones transported 15 kg of supplies from Base Camp to C1 camp in just 10 minutes—a journey that takes climbers 6-8 hours on foot across the dangerous Khumbu Icefall. On commercial flights, the drones successfully delivered 33 kg of cargo, including ladders, ropes, and waste materials.
Game-Changing Capacity
The drones demonstrated an impressive capacity to move 234 kg in two hours—a task that would require 14 porters working for six hours. This efficiency not only saves time but significantly reduces the risk to human porters navigating one of the most dangerous sections of the Everest climb.
Environmental Impact
Beyond logistics, the drones address Mount Everest's waste management crisis by airlifting garbage from the mountain while simultaneously improving supply logistics for climbers. This partnership with Nepal's government tackles both sustainability and operational efficiency challenges.
Key Highlights
- New civilian altitude record: 5,300-6,000 meters
- 10-minute delivery vs 6-8 hours on foot
- 234 kg capacity in 2 hours (equivalent to 14 porters working 6 hours)
- Dual purpose: supply delivery and waste management
- Reduces risk to human porters crossing dangerous Khumbu Icefall
This successful deployment demonstrates that drone technology can revolutionize logistics in the world's most challenging environments, paving the way for safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable operations in extreme altitude conditions.