Successful demo flight to boost low-altitude economy in economic circle

A manned aircraft recently departed from Chongqing and arrived in Sichuan, completing the first cross-provincial low-altitude demo flight in Southwest China.

The flight route, currently under trial operation, is expected to reach regular operation in the second half of 2024. Once fully operational, it will offer a convenient alternative to transportation, logistics, and tourism within the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle.

The aircraft, traveling at a speed of 180 kilometers per hour, took off from Longxing General Airport in Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, and arrived in Zigong, Sichuan, two hours later.

This demo flight marked a breakthrough in the low-altitude airspace sector, indicating significant progress in economic circle construction.

Low-altitude airspace refers to airspace up to 3,000 meters above ground, and accommodates a suite of economic activities, including aircraft manufacturing, low-altitude flight operations, and a wide range of related services.

By 2030, the size of China's low-altitude economy is estimated to reach 2 trillion yuan ($278.6 billion), according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

"Low-altitude flights provide more convenient transportation, delivery, and tourism services as they avoid ground traffic congestion and save time," said a government official, who likened the route to an air-highway that connects the two cities.

At the demo flight event, Chongqing and Sichuan signed a memorandum on further cooperation in the low-altitude sector, as well as discussed how to best utilize the airspace in the neighboring region.

According to the memorandum, the two cities will create a range of low-altitude application scenarios, such as delivery, short-distance transportation, medical assistance, education and training, and tourism, among others.

The low-altitude economy extends from building and utilizing air-crafts to industry integration. With low-altitude flights available, industries such as aircraft manufacturing and detection will grow, and new business models and government services, such as low-altitude logistics and flying taxis will emerge, said the official.

At present, at least 90 percent of Chongqing's aerospace and aviation industry is located in Liangjiang New Area. As of 2023, the new area is home to 139 aerospace and aviation companies, with the industry value standing at 3.5 billion yuan.