BEIJING: As the transportation minister of the Sultanate of Oman gently pressed the take-off countdown button, the “Archer” large unmanned transport aircraft, carrying 60 kilograms of medical supplies, flew through the 3,352-meter-high Hajar Mountains and delivered the goods to a mountainous town 100 kilometers away.
The aircraft completed its delivery in less than 50 minutes, marking the first commercial logistics flight of a Chinese large-scale UAV in the Middle East. This landmark mission, named “Sky Bridge,” was executed by Times Flying Phoenix Technology Co., Ltd., a high-tech enterprise initiated by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and based in Kunshan, China. Backed by Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Health and Civil Aviation Authority, the flight demonstrates the capability of Chinese-manufactured large UAV systems to operate reliably in harsh environments characterized by high temperatures, sandstorms and strong winds, and represents the systematic introduction of China’s low-altitude economic solutions in the Middle East.
The target town, nestled in rugged mountain terrain far from urban centers, has long faced logistical challenges. Land transportation requires four-wheel-drive vehicles and takes up to three hours due to strict access restrictions, leaving local medical authorities struggling to ensure timely delivery of emergency supplies. The “Archer” UAV cut travel time to under 50 minutes, revolutionizing the region’s supply chain efficiency.
To adapt to the Middle East’s complex climate – where plateaus, mountains and deserts interweave with persistent high temperatures and sandstorms – Times Flying Phoenix conducted rigorous environmental adaptability tests in China’s Xinjiang Flaming Mountains in July 2025. These extreme-condition trials validated the UAV’s durability and performance, ensuring it could withstand the region’s unique challenges.
Paving the way for scaled application
This successful flight pioneers low-altitude logistics applications in the Middle East, following recent strides by Chinese drone companies in regional markets. Times Flying Phoenix plans to build on this milestone by deepening its presence in the Middle East and collaborating with local partners to establish a comprehensive commercial service network. The company aims to promote regularized, large-scale adoption of low-altitude economic solutions across the region, covering logistics, emergency medical rescue and marine assistance.
Founded in 2020, Times Flying Phoenix specializes in developing large unmanned transport aircraft for strategic sectors including logistics and emergency response. This mission underscores China’s advancing capabilities in high-end unmanned equipment and its commitment to integrating technological innovation into the Belt and Road Initiative. –The Daily Mail-CGTN news exchange item
