Hainan aims big for niche sector

Hainan province plans to boost its low-altitude economy by aiming for a total economic output value exceeding 30 billion yuan ($4.24 billion) by 2026.

The island province plans to achieve this by establishing nine general airports, designating over 300 low-altitude routes, and constructing eight low-altitude application scenarios, according to a three-year action plan for the development of low-altitude economy in Hainan province (2024-26).

The action plan, released in September, outlines its support for Haikou in hosting the low-altitude aircraft international trade fair regularly, with a focus on the international market to establish a hub for the overseas sales and delivery of low-altitude aircraft.

Additionally, it backs efforts in cities and counties located along the province's round-the-island highway, such as Haikou and Sanya, in integrating rest stations along the highway to introduce helicopter, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL), flying cars, and other low-altitude tourism sightseeing routes, which aim to enhance the variety and content of low-altitude tourism experiences.

In a significant development, the first interprovincial cross-sea helicopter flight from Sanya, Hainan, to Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, completed its maiden launch on Sept 29, with a journey time of around one hour.

Operated by China Southern Airlines General Aviation Co Ltd, the route aims to enhance connectivity to and from the island province with agile flight services using advanced Sikorsky S76 medium twin-engine helicopters, which can carry 12 passengers.

During its trial operation, the route will primarily offer charter services, allowing both domestic and foreign travelers to customize their travel plans and enjoy a new, efficient and convenient cross-sea travel experience.

Based on market response, the company plans to schedule regular and non-regular flights, adding more services during weekends, holidays, exhibitions, and peak tourist seasons, said Li Erbao, chairman of the company.

"The opening of this low-altitude flight route will facilitate economic, cultural, and social exchanges between Hainan and Guangdong, constructing a swift and convenient pathway for interactions and travel between the two regions," Li said.

In addition to passenger travel, Hainan has also seen advancements in drone logistics.

On April 24, an FP-98 cargo drone, China's inaugural large-scale fixed-wing drone, transported 455 kilograms of seedlings for shrimp breeding from Haikou to Zhuhai, Guangdong province in less than three hours — the maiden cross-sea flight of a drone for public cargo logistics between the two provinces.

The use of a cargo drone not only expedited transportation, saving a minimum of 10 hours compared to traditional land transportation methods, but also achieved a 100 percent survival rate for the transported seedlings.

Peng Yushan, head of the business unit of China General Aviation Co Ltd, said that the introduction of low-altitude application scenarios can lay a solid foundation for future urban logistics and distribution, representing an innovative shift from traditional logistics models."

"It sets a good example for expediting the advancement of an innovative integration model combining low-altitude technology with logistics. This heralds the increasing importance of drone logistics services in future urban life, bringing unprecedented convenience and efficiency to people's daily lives," he added.