Food drone deliveries take flight in Apec host city

Pinpoint delivery: A file photo of employees preparing a Meituan delivery drone at the company’s launch pad, in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. — Reuters

A steady hum fills the air around busy tourist areas in the southern tech hub of Shenzhen, which is set to host world leaders at next week’s Apec summit.

It is the sound of a fleet of drones crisscrossing the sky, delivering takeout food, coffee and bubble tea to tourists who scan QR codes and order to parks and scenic spots.