China - September 16, 2024

Low-altitude tourism takes off in China

(Voice_over)

More and more tourists in China are taking part in the country's burgeoning low altitude economy, not for travel but for sightseeing, using eVTOLS, helicopters and in some cases a parachute.

At the foot of the scenic Wugong Mountain in east China's Jiangxi Province, helicopter tours are popular for unobstructed views of the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.

The company's sightseeing operation manager says in recent months, the demand has been soaring.

(Sound_bite)

Cai Rong, Tourist:

"I have never expected that the Wugong Mountain would look so gorgeous from another viewpoint. It is stunning."

(Sound_bite)

Yao Yiheng, Deputy operation manager, Wugong Mountain flight camp:

"Our helicopter flights are fully booked almost every day. Tourists are eager to make reservations, and we are now operating around 20 to 30 flights per day."

(Voice_over)

Aerial sports, like paragliding, meanwhile, are also considered to be part of the country's growing low-altitude tourism sector.

(Sound_bite)

Ren Jiajia, Tourist:

"It is so special. I can see the islands scattering across the lake."

(Voice_over)

Low-altitude generally refers to airspace up to 3,000 meters above earth. Commercial flights, in comparison, tend to fly somewhere between 9,000 and 12,000 meters.

With more drones and other electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles being used for passenger transportation and parcel deliveries in cities across the country, China's low-altitude economy is set for sustained growth.

According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the country's low-altitude economy was valued at roughly 70 billion U.S. dollars last year and is expected to quadruple by 2030.
 
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