China's second largest e-commerce company, JD.com, is constructing delivery drones that can carry 1,000 kilograms of goods and fly at speeds of up to 50 km/h. 

CTO Chen Yang told CNBC that the company is currently building six types of drones for express deliveries, including ones which can carry heavy loads. 

JD hopes to be able to extend its reach into areas of rural China, Chen said. 

"In remote villages most people are not benefiting from e-commerce," he added. 

One of JD's drones showcased at CES Asia in Shanghai on June 7. /VCG Photo

The company has already built lighter drones that can deliver packages weighing around 10 kilograms and fly up to 100 km/h. 

Because they can travel in excess of road speed limits and take aerial shortcuts cars can't, drones are often much more efficient at dropping off goods ordered online. 

JD is serious about the project and has already built the world's first flight scheduling center dedicated to drones in East China's Jiangsu Province.

All unmanned vehicles will be directed there, JD.com told the Beijing Youth Daily newspaper.

Battery trouble

One of JD's drones showcased at‍ CES Asia in Shanghai on June 7. /VCG Photo

But there is one critical drawback for JD's drone ambitions.

"Battery costs today are still very high… it's a major issue we need to address," Chen admitted.

He said the drone industry has matured but power issues still exist. 

"Once the industry has solved the battery issue, we believe our technology will be mature and we can fully roll out our drone delivery program," Chen said.