This is considered a pioneering step in applying smart transportation solutions, contributing to improving the digital economy index and reducing pressure on the city's road transport infrastructure.
The event was organized with close coordination from many units including the Ho Chi Minh City Command, Area 1 Defense Command, Air Division 370, local authorities, specialized agencies, and businesses, demonstrating an effective cooperation model between state management agencies, specialized forces, technology engineers and postal enterprises in applying science and technology to practice.
In the project, Vietnam Post is the unit in charge of building nghiệp vụ procedures, establishing quality standards and organizing the operation of goods delivery - receipt activities using UAVs. The flight route is designed with a sea-crossing route, connecting the take-off point at Can Gio ferry terminal and the landing point at Vung Tau sea ferry terminal, marking the first time postal transportation activities using unmanned aerial vehicles have been deployed on this special transport corridor.
In the early stages, Vietnam Post prioritizes transporting small parcels under 5kg, including records, documents and e-commerce packages. UAV equipment participating in operation includes specialized aircraft for transportation - logistics. CT UAV successfully manufactured CT-Nexus Flight Control System - proprietary technology, with high wind resistance. With an average flight speed of 10-15m/s, the device has the ability to operate flexibly in many different logistics scenarios. Each device is equipped with a journey monitoring camera and an intelligent self-propelled system, suitable for transporting parcels, necessities, pharmaceuticals and documents in many different operating conditions.
The flight parameters are carefully calculated: maximum altitude 200 meters, flight corridor width 300 meters and operating radius at the take-off/landing area is 500 meters, ensuring aviation safety, air/ground security and civil activities.
The Can Gio - Vung Tau UAV postal transport route is expected to significantly shorten delivery time between two areas with specific geographical conditions, giving customers more choices for fast and convenient delivery. At the same time, it contributes to increasing service capacity in case of traffic disruption, effectively supporting the transportation of essential goods when necessary.
The project also plays the role of a pilot model with control, helping management agencies have more practical data to gradually improve policies for smart logistics development and low-level economy.
Mr. Nguyen Nhu Thuan, Director of Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, said: The pilot participation in the Can Gio - Vung Tau sea route aims to standardize a new postal service model according to the end-to-end chain. The entire process from receiving, packaging, code scanning, flight operation handover, journey monitoring, landing, delivery, customer care and control is synchronously integrated into the existing logistics system, bringing customers the experience of "one code - one journey". In which, UAVs are put into the operating chain as an additional method and ensure compliance with national postal service standards.
Vietnam Post identifies safety and legal compliance as a prerequisite, piloting in a systematic and controlled manner, taking actual operating data as a basis for evaluation, perfecting models and gradually expanding applications in the logistics ecosystem in low-efficiency economies, especially in areas with specific geographical conditions, remote and isolated areas.
Sharing about the long-term vision, the representative of the Organizing Committee emphasized: "The goal of the program is not only to build a flight route, but also to build confidence in that technology can serve life safely, effectively and sustainably. In the future, the technical foundation and experience from the Can Gio - Vung Tau route can be promoted to serve many other fields such as rescue and relief, serving the management of state agencies, and providing medical support for remote and isolated areas.
Putting UAVs into logistics operation is not only a technological step forward but also demonstrates Ho Chi Minh City's efforts in promoting the innovation ecosystem, opening up opportunities for domestic technology businesses to participate more deeply in the research, production and operation of modern aircraft, gradually mastering unmanned aviation technology.
The opening event of the UAV postal transport route connecting Can Gio - Vung Tau is proof of the effective coordination between the "three sides": the State, scientists and businesses. At the same time, it affirms the creative capacity and technology mastery of the domestic team, contributing to building a foundation for a green, smart and flexible logistics system, meeting the requirements of sustainable development in the digital age.
Postal delivery activities using UAVs on the Can Gio - Vung Tau route will be an important basis for management agencies to assess the possibility of expanding the model to more specialized applications such as emergency medical transportation, disaster response support or smart urban management. From the results achieved, the City aims to build a green, smart and flexible logistics network, meeting the requirements of sustainable development in the digital age. Through this event, the parties expect to gradually form a foundation for air transport infrastructure at low altitudes, thereby effectively supporting the logistics, postal and some public services ecosystems in the future.
After the Opening Ceremony, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology plays the role of general coordination focal point, coordinating with the City Command to monitor the daily operation process. On the business side, Vietnam Post will gradually integrate UAV solutions into existing delivery procedures, implement periodic reports on time efficiency, cost and service quality, thereby completing the operating model and creating a basis for expansion.
Previously, Vietnam Post had piloted medical transportation by UAV and is continuing to expand cargo transportation, especially transportation through specific sea and island routes on the principle of legal compliance, ensuring safety and operational efficiency.
