Shanxi seizes strategic opportunities in low-altitude economy development

As the strategic window of opportunity for the rapid development of the low-altitude economy emerges, North China's Shanxi province, as a national general aviation demonstration province, has been vigorously developing in the field.

In 2023, by building upon its existing 12 short-haul transport routes, the province introduced two new intra-provincial air routes – Changzhi to Wutai Mountain and Yuncheng to Lyuliang. Throughout the year, the province's airports supported a total of 5,447 flight operations, oversaw 379 short-haul transport takeoffs and landings, and accommodated 1,807 passengers. 

In 2018, Shanxi issued and implemented the "Shanxi Province General Aviation Industry Development Plan (2018-35)", actively constructing itself as a national demonstration province for the development of the general aviation industry.

In Shanxi, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) application scenarios continue to expand and diversify in fields such as emergency support, express transportation, surveying and mapping, power inspection, disaster relief, rescue operations, and film and television shooting.

In recent years, a number of excellent aviation-related projects and enterprises have landed in Shanxi, seizing favorable opportunities for the development of the aviation industry and the low-altitude economy.

Staff members inspect the ZH281A helicopter at the production workshop of Shanxi Zhehang Helicopter Industry Co, on April 11. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

As a high-end equipment manufacturing company specializing in the design, research and development, and production of helicopters, Shanxi Zhehang Helicopter Industry Co holds an industry-leading position in helicopter gearboxes, rotor blades, hubs, and flight control systems. It also possesses completely independent intellectual property rights.

Within the low-altitude economy industrial chain, general airports are vital infrastructure for accommodating low-altitude aircrafts.

With a total of 6,652 flight operations and a flight duration of 1,000 hours and 19 minutes, the Ruicheng Xinnanzhang Airport, the province's first A1-class general airport led by a county-level government, officially commenced operations in June last year. It has been steadily improving in aviation training, aerial spraying, emergency rescue, and short-haul transport, gradually reaching a high level of performance.

By 2030, Shanxi is set to have 69 airports providing general aviation services.