China is rapidly advancing its low-altitude economy, marked by the successful test of its largest cargo drone and the upcoming launch of a helicopter taxi service connecting cities. These developments highlight the country’s push to modernize transportation and logistics.
Over the weekend, engineers launched China’s largest cargo drone for a test flight in Sichuan province. Developed by Sichuan Tengden Sci-tech Innovation Co, this twin-engine drone boasts a payload capacity of 2 metric tons. The drone, with a wingspan of 16.1 meters (52.8 feet) and a height of 4.6 meters (15 feet), completed a 20-minute inaugural flight, setting a new benchmark for cargo drones in the country.
This milestone follows the June debut of another cargo drone by state-owned Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC). The AVIC HH-100, with a payload of 700 kg (1,543 pounds) and a flight range of 520 km, is part of a broader effort to scale up drone capabilities. AVIC plans to test its largest drone, the TP2000, next year, capable of carrying 2 tons and flying four times farther than the HH-100.
China, the world’s leading drone manufacturer, is exploring larger payload capacities and air taxi services as it relaxes airspace regulations and promotes its low-altitude economy. The country’s aviation regulator projects the industry could grow to 2 trillion yuan ($279 billion) by 2030, a four-fold increase from 2023.
In addition to cargo, drone technology is expanding into passenger transport. EHang Holdings, a UAV maker based in Guangzhou, received a production certificate for its autonomous passenger drone earlier this year, marking China’s first certification of its kind.
Moreover, commercial passenger helicopter services are also taking off. On Saturday, a helicopter completed its first manned flight between Kunshan in Jiangsu province and Shanghai Pudong Airport. The service, operated by Shanghai NewSky Heli Co, will officially launch on August 18, offering 20-minute flights that significantly reduce travel time between the cities. The route is expected to serve up to 30,000 passengers annually, with one-way fares up to 1,800 yuan.
These advancements in cargo drones and air taxis signal China’s growing commitment to developing its low-altitude economy, with the potential to revolutionize transportation and logistics.
