As drones have steadily become part of daily life — from aerial filming to emergency response — Shenzhen is making it easier for residents to take flight professionally.
Chinese food delivery giant Meituan launched its new drone training services category in Shenzhen yesterday. The rollout marks the first time certified unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) training institutions have officially joined the platform nationwide.
Users can now search "drone training" on Meituan to find schools offering everything from beginner courses to advanced certifications — part of a growing push by the Beijing-based firm to meet the surging demand for skilled drone pilots.
Users can search "drone training" on Meituan's app to find CAAC-certified drone training institutions.
Digital platform meets sky-high demand
The new listing category reflects a growing appetite for drone education in China. According to Meituan, searches for drone-related services have more than doubled in the past year, while interest in "drone training" has spiked by 270%.
Meituan began quietly piloting the service late 2025. Since then, more than 4,000 courses have been launched across nearly 100 cities, covering a wide range of specialties: aerial photography, agricultural inspection, youth drone camps, and commercial license prep.
"From a business perspective, online access helps us reach the right learners more effectively," said Yu Jingbing, chairman of Global Hawk (Shenzhen) UAV Co., one of the training institutions featured on the platform.
"Young users already search online before they commit. Going digital helps close the information gap and makes it easier for students to find the training that fits them best."
Park visitors watch as a Meituan drone lands on a designated platform at Baishilong Music Park in Longhua. Shenzhen Special Zone Daily
Training for a new generation of sky workers
The initiative is part of a broader movement in China to professionalize and grow its low-altitude workforce.
In 2025, China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security officially recognized several new drone-related occupations, including drone fleet planners and low-altitude traffic coordinators.
Industry hubs like Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Shanghai are seeing a spike in both training supply and job market demand. Drones are increasingly used in sectors like agriculture, logistics, public safety, mapping, and media.
"Launching drone training on Meituan is an innovative step in aligning workforce development with real market needs," said a representative of the Shenzhen Aviation Industry Association.
"By standardizing how institutions are selected and promoted, we can ensure quality, protect consumers, and accelerate healthy growth across the industry."
Meituan delivery riders attend a classroom session on drone operations as part of a professional training program in Shenzhen. Photo: Bao'an Daily
What's next: Standardization and certification
Looking forward, Meituan and its partner platform Dianping plan to further expand access to drone training institutions certified by the country's civil aviation regulator Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Criteria will include instructor qualifications, certified training grounds, and clear course standards.
"By applying our tech and platform tools, we're able to connect users with high-quality, specialized training," said a spokesperson from Meituan's Life Services division. "It's about more than just convenience — it's about growing talent and pushing the drone industry forward in a sustainable way."
