China Embraces Low-Altitude Innovation: Cargo Drones and Air Taxis Take Flight
China conducts test flights for massive cargo drones and helicopter taxi services. Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC) leads the way with innovative cargo drone technology. Commercial drone deliveries and passenger-carrying drones mark a new era in Chinese aviation.
These developments mark significant progress in China's efforts to expand its low-altitude economy.
The state-funded Sichuan Tengden Sci-tech Innovation Co successfully launched China's largest cargo drone, boasting a payload capacity of 2 metric tons. The inaugural flight, lasting around 20 minutes, took place in southwestern Sichuan province, showcasing the drone's capabilities.
This impressive Tengden-built drone, with dimensions surpassing the popular Cessna 172 aircraft, signifies China's commitment to pushing the boundaries of drone technology. Manufacturers in China, a global leader in drone production, are exploring larger payloads, while transport companies are gearing up for both manned and unmanned air taxi services.
China's aviation sector is poised for remarkable growth, with the aviation regulator projecting a staggering 2-trillion-yuan ($279 billion) industry by 2030, a four-fold increase from 2023. As airspace restrictions ease and incentives are introduced to bolster the low-altitude economy, the stage is set for unprecedented expansion.
Following the successful trial of the Tengden cargo drone, state-owned Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC) made headlines with its HH-100 cargo drone maiden flight in June. With a payload capacity of 700 kg and a flight radius of 520 km, AVIC is set to test its TP2000 drone next year, capable of carrying up to 2 tons of cargo over significantly longer distances.
China has already ventured into commercial drone deliveries, with Phoenix Wings, a subsidiary of SF Express, using Fengzhou-90 drones to transport fresh fruit from Hainan to Guangdong. These cargo drones promise efficient deliveries, reduced costs, and increased accessibility to areas lacking traditional aviation infrastructure.
Moreover, the potential of cargo drones extends to passenger transportation, with EHang Holdings receiving China's first production certificate for an autonomous passenger drone. Recognising the low-altitude economy as a key growth driver, the government views vertical mobility as a pivotal force in revolutionising passenger and cargo transport.
In a significant move, Shanghai NewSky Heli Co launched a commercial helicopter service from Kunshun to Shanghai Pudong Airport, offering passengers a swift 20-minute journey for fares up to 1,800 yuan. This service aims to cater to 30,000 passengers annually, with plans to expand low-altitude routes across the Yangtze River delta.
China conducts test flights for massive cargo drones and helicopter taxi services
Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC) leads the way with innovative cargo drone technology
Commercial drone deliveries and passenger-carrying drones mark a new era in Chinese aviation
Source: REUTERS