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(Sound of planes flying overhead)
Low-flying planes perform elaborate maneuvers and formations in the sky, dazzling visitors at the Airshow China event in the southern city of Zhuhai.
But this year, organizers hope to offer something a little different: low-altitude flights.
Aerial activities in this category are carried out in airspace less than 1,000 meters.
China aims to become the first country in the world to develop what it calls the low-lying economy, which could include passenger and cargo transportation, as well as rapid-response emergency services.
This could also include the possibility of unmanned flights.
Companies in countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom are also developing technology for flying taxis and the low-altitude sector, but obstacles remain, including the regulatory environment.
More than 1,000 companies from 47 countries and regions participated in the six-day Airshow China event.
They claim to see huge market potential and, therefore, are rushing to fully commercialize their products within the next few years.
Zhou Yuqing, brand manager of XPHENG AEROHT, a subsidiary of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPeng, explains.
“Initially, we are considering scenarios such as flying the plane outdoors or at campsites. If we go to a beautiful location, we can drive the car there and drop the plane, after which we can make it fly little by little, when “If market acceptance becomes higher and policies and regulations more advanced, and everyone can accept it better, it is likely that there will be more scenarios of application. “
The creativity of the show knows no bounds, even presenting an ordinary car with an airplane on board.
It is a land-based aircraft carrier that consists of two parts: a six-wheeled vehicle as the ground “mothership” and an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft as the aerial module.
The company says it only takes five minutes for the 720-kilogram aircraft to be released or stored in the vehicle’s truck.
The aircraft is also easy to operate, supporting both manual and autopilot mode, with an intelligent flight control system governing flight status.
Hu Haisong, marketing director of Zerog Aircraft Industry, says there is considerable untapped potential.
“As a transportation ecology, low altitude is a rare space that has not been fully utilized but with enormous potential. Land transportation is already busy and high altitude falls under the category of civil aviation And the low-altitude airspace, between 100 meters and 1,000 meters above sea level, sometimes up to 3,000 meters, has not been fully exploited.
Likewise, Aerofugia Technology is introducing an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft called the AE200, designed to be used for urban travel, tourism and emergency relief.
It can carry a pilot and five passengers and travel 200 kilometers when fully charged.
Their senior product manager Hou Yi explains.
“It has low take-off and landing requirements, because it can take off and land in any suitable location. For example, it can perform vertical take-off and landing on a roof and in an open space at ground.”
The Chinese government provides financial and policy support to boost the low-altitude aviation industry and create the necessary regulations to support the sector.
A government report has called for transforming emerging and future industries and construction industries, including the low-lying economy, into new “engines of growth”.
By 2023, the size of China’s low-lying economy exceeded 500 billion yuan, and authorities are pushing for the market to reach the trillion-yuan level by 2030, according to state media.
However, challenges remain regarding the establishment of industry standards, corresponding regulations and supporting infrastructure.
Zhou Xiaoyue, public relations director of United Aircraft Group, explains.
“The infrastructure must be further improved to create scenarios for different types of aircraft. At the same time, the airspace must be further opened. In the future, other areas of application should be opened up.”
Air show visitors say they are excited about the future with these low-altitude planes entering real life.
But for some, like Yu Zepeng, the question is about price.
“But in terms of cost, how can we make it acceptable to more ordinary people? Because it can take up to 10,000 yuan for a single ride. It would be acceptable to everyone, if the cost was cheaper and if the safety and comfort levels were the same.” guaranteed.”
