EY and Lalamove sign MoU for drone-linked enterprise logistics service

EY and Lalamove have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work on the concept and advancement of an enterprise logistics service that could connect drone-enabled deliveries with Lalamove’s ground transport network.

Lalamove said it is pioneering drone-enabled logistics in Hong Kong, while EY framed the wider opportunity across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The proposed service is aimed at large enterprise customers, although the companies have yet to announce a pilot, launch schedule or participating customer.

Linking aerial and ground delivery

The proposed service would integrate drone-enabled deliveries with Lalamove’s existing ground network. The companies have not disclosed how individual delivery stages would be divided between aerial and ground transport.

Lalamove brings its logistics network and technology, including automated workflows and integrations with customers’ business systems. EY said its broader role in the low-altitude economy includes operating-model design, governance, regulatory compliance, risk management and coordination between industry participants.

EY also provides support for data, artificial intelligence and digital-platform strategies intended to help organisations commercialise and expand low-altitude economy business models. The broader challenge will be turning drone demonstrations into a repeatable service that enterprises can use across regular operations.

Lalamove said it is developing drone-enabled logistics in Hong Kong and intends to expand the model into other markets. Its on-demand delivery platform currently operates across 17 markets in Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Hong Kong provides the starting point

EY described Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy ecosystem as being at an early stage. Wider adoption will depend on clearer rules, suitable infrastructure and stronger coordination between regulators, logistics providers, insurers and other participants.

The firm identified certification, insurance, financing, testing and cross-boundary operations as areas where Hong Kong could contribute. These supporting services will be necessary if drone delivery is to progress from controlled trials to regular commercial use.

Across the Greater Bay Area, EY expects Hong Kong’s regulatory, financial and international business capabilities to complement the manufacturing and industrial strengths of mainland Chinese cities. Cross-boundary logistics could eventually form part of that opportunity, although the agreement with Lalamove does not confirm any such service.

EY expects the region to move from government-led trials towards early commercial deployment over the next five years, with logistics, inspection and public services driving initial demand. By 2031, it anticipates clearer flight corridors, designated take-off and landing sites, and more developed communications and monitoring systems in Hong Kong.

Steve Lo, EY Greater China Alliances and Ecosystems Leader, said: “The low-altitude economy will continue to evolve, and its role within the broader economy will become more clearly defined. What will matter is how effectively innovation can be translated into practical, reliable, and commercially viable applications — supported by strong frameworks and coordinated stakeholders.”