New regulations said to ban drone delivery in crowded Chinese cities

Drone regulations recently passed by China’s Civil Aviation Administration require registration and aviation authority approval for drones heavier than 25 kg (55 lbs), with drones that can carry cargo or weigh more than 150 kg (330 lbs) likely dashing hopes that mainland delivery and e-commerce firms will outpace western rivals in implementing drone delivery, Tech in Asia reported, citing local media reports. According to China Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) secretary Ke Yuyu, the regulations – now in the middle of other approval procedures – will also include an outright ban on drone delivery in congested urban areas.