Chongqing—In the first half of 2025, Chongqing’s low-altitude economy soared, recording 190,000 flight hours and 1.16 million flights—up 109.2% and 67.3% year-on-year, according to the Chongqing Municipal Development and Reform Commission.

In logistics, companies such as JD.com, China Post, and Fasi Tonghang launched eight new drone cargo routes this year. These routes are designed for urgent deliveries of blood, express packages, and emergency medications, helping meet critical delivery demands.

A JD.com logistics drone in flight during a cargo delivery mission. (Photo/JD.com)

Drone integration has also reshaped infrastructure inspection. Chongqing Rail Transit Operation Corporation is now using drones to monitor its 140-kilometer safety buffer zones. This has significantly improved efficiency and cut costs by around 30%.

A drone completes a smooth delivery of medical supplies. (Photo/Fasi Tonghang)

Tourism and cultural consumption also benefit from low-altitude innovation. Since April, the "Charming Chongqing" drone light shows have driven spending of 350 million yuan ($48.7 million). During the May Day holiday, Wulong District opened helicopter sightseeing flights. As of now, the project has logged over 300 flights and served more than 1,000 passengers.

To boost year-round low-altitude tourism, the city launched its second Low-Altitude Flight Consumption Week on April 30. The event attracted 680,000 visitors and generated over 200 million yuan in spending.

"This year, a series of low-altitude economic activities in our city have deeply integrated into citizens' lives and stimulated consumption vitality,” said an official from the Municipal Development and Reform Commission.

On the manufacturing side, Chongqing continues to improve its low-altitude industrial chain. The Smart Factory for Special Aircraft project in Liangping District is a key development. With a total investment of 2.6 billion yuan, the factory will focus on the R&D and production of special aircraft. Once operational, it is expected to produce over 1,000 aircraft annually, with an estimated yearly output value of 20 billion yuan.

The city is building an industrial chain of "R&D-Manufacturing Services." Major players such as Zonsen Aero Engine and Tuohang Technology are being supported for scale-up. Zonsen Aero Engine has developed over 20 types of engines and propellers, catering to the power needs of light general aviation and drones. In 2024, the company's revenue increased by approximately 70% year-over-year. Tuohang Technology recently launched the "Tuofeng 500HS," a heavy-lift unmanned helicopter, marking its global debut. 

Yidong Technology's "Black Thorn" micro-drone, launched in December 2024, weighs 50 grams but integrates satellite navigation, active obstacle avoidance, and beyond-line-of-sight data links. As of now, the company has received over 20 million yuan in orders and expects to reach a production capacity of 10,000 units by year-end.

A fleet of drones hovers over Yongchuan Da'an Airport in Chongqing. (Photo/Yongchuan Da'an Airport)

Looking ahead, Chongqing is building out its infrastructure to support the sector. By 2030, the city aims to construct more than 2,500 takeoff and landing sites for low-altitude operations, form a citywide network, and open over 1,000 flight routes. Plans also include developing 10 nationally recognized demonstration scenarios, including a "30-minute emergency response zone" and an "aerial medical corridor," with annual flight volumes projected to exceed 10 million.