Aviation-related industries ready for takeoff in Hunan

Editor's note: In a series of reports titled "Claims to Fame", China Daily looks at how some regions have earned wealth and recognition through specific products to advance economic development.

Deng Yanpei, 59, has dreamed of flying since he was a child.

At the age of 7, he held up an umbrella and jumped off a second-floor platform onto a mound of sand. All he did was injure his feet, which after more than 50 years still sometimes ache.

Last year, Deng obtained a pilot's license for general aviation after training at Hunan Sunward General Aviation Co in Zhuzhou, Hunan province, realizing his dream of one day flying an aircraft. "I was about to retire soon, and as I had more time and financial means, I decided to chase my dream," he said.

"You cannot realize all of your childhood dreams, but once you achieve one of them, the sense of happiness is overwhelming," Deng added.

As China steps up its efforts to develop the low-altitude economy and general aviation industry, more people have enjoyed the opportunity to fly.

Meanwhile, various aerial craft, such as large airships for low-altitude tourism, drones for express delivery, and aircraft used in emergency rescues, are being more widely deployed across the country, providing exciting new development opportunities.

The central leadership recently reiterated its determination to improve the institutions and mechanisms for modernizing infrastructure, according to a resolution adopted at the third plenum of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee.

It is estimated that the market size of the low-altitude economy will surge from over 500 billion yuan ($70.3 billion) in 2023 to 2 trillion yuan by 2030, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China.