Strengthening and supplementing supply chains, soaring high in the "low-altitude" sector

For large aircraft, look to Shanghai; for small aircraft, look to Wuhu. At the recent 2025 Low-Altitude Economic Development Conference, Wuhu once again distinguished itself with its strengths, with a stunning debut of a batch of low-altitude equipment and the signing of a series of major projects, showcasing Wuhu's innovative strength in the low-altitude economy.

China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) Wuhu Diamond Aircraft Manufacturing Co., Ltd. was one of the first complete aircraft manufacturers to enter the Wuhu Aviation Industrial Park. Since mass production began in 2018, it has delivered over 100 manned aircraft and over 300 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), achieving a transformation from "importing, digesting, and absorbing" to "leading independent innovation."

At the Low-Altitude Economic Development Conference, CETC Wuhu Diamond Aircraft showcased its latest development: the Xiangyun V, a large-scale logistics UAV. "The most significant features of this drone are its large payload capacity, powerful horsepower, and suitability for short-distance takeoff and landing," said Tian Manlin, the company's general manager. The aircraft has a maximum payload of 2,000 kg, a maximum range of 2,000 km, and a cargo hold volume of 14.5 cubic meters. It supports aerial delivery and can be used in a variety of scenarios, including air logistics and rescue operations.

eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) vehicles are considered a key direction for the future development of the low-altitude economy. The eVTOL aircraft developed by Shi Technology was a star attraction at the conference. Xu An, brand manager for Shi Technology, explained that the aircraft utilizes an innovative single-propulsion system and a six-rotor design, achieving an ultra-long range of 200 km.

Discussing the current state of the industry and its future prospects, Xu An believes that the low-altitude economy will undergo three phases: the first phase will be applied to low-altitude tourism; the second phase will cover intercity travel of 30 to 150 km; and the third phase will be intra-city travel, enabling commuting by taxi. Currently, the product has been deployed in scenarios such as low-altitude sightseeing in scenic areas and short-distance air buses, and is expected to reshape urban transportation in the future. She explained that construction has begun on a final assembly and manufacturing base for "air taxis" in Wuhu's Wanzhi District, with plans for two production lines capable of producing 200 aircraft annually.

Wuhu's Wanzhi District is a major hub for the province's low-altitude economy and has become a future pilot zone for the low-altitude economy in Anhui Province. It has achieved independent production of general aviation manufacturing products, including general aircraft, drones, aircraft engines, propellers, avionics systems, simulators, and aviation accessories.

"Large-scale application is key to accelerating the development of the low-altitude economy," said Ping Lihao, Chairman of the Anhui General Aviation Association. Wanzhi District is focusing on application based on a list of scenarios, innovating 19 new low-altitude operation scenarios, including high-altitude firefighting, Yangtze River law enforcement inspections, cloud seeding, return search and rescue for experimental satellites, and regional short-haul flights. To date, Wanzhi District has compiled 39 application capability lists and 38 opportunity lists for scenarios in industries such as aerospace (low-altitude economy) and artificial intelligence.

Original equipment manufacturers are the leaders, driving the accelerated concentration of upstream and downstream supporting enterprises. For many years, Wuhu has supported aircraft manufacturers such as China Electronics Technology Diamond, driving the development of key components such as avionics and engines, forming a complete industrial chain and building an industrial foundation. Currently, the Wuhu Aviation Industrial Park boasts 100% local supply of core components for general aviation aircraft, encompassing the entire spectrum from complete aircraft to drones, core components and accessories, and even large aircraft.

In recent years, Wuhu has stepped up efforts to attract aircraft manufacturers, refined its industry landscape and project lists, and launched a "door-to-door" investment promotion campaign. A number of aircraft manufacturers, including China Electronics Technology Diamond, United Aircraft, Sea Eagle, and Tengdun, have settled in Wuhu, significantly driving the clustering of the low-altitude economy.

Translated by Wang Yafang from Jinning Foreign Affairs Services of Anhui Province Co.,Ltd