Cutting-edge aviation technology for civilian and consumer use is taking center stage at Airshow China, with an array of "flying car" and aircraft models reshaping the country's low-altitude economy.
At the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, which kicked off in the southern coastal city of Zhuhai on Tuesday, onlookers are getting a taste of the future of transportation.
"The 'Land Aircraft Carrier' is a groundbreaking innovation by the Chinese -- the first product in the world that can fit an aircraft in a car's trunk, so it is worth looking forward to. In the future, road trips could mean driving this vehicle to scenic destinations and enjoying stunning aerial views of the landscape," said Zhao Deli, the founder and president of Chinese flying car company XPeng AeroHT.
Other exhibitors presented new drones and manned aircraft that may transform the way people envision low-altitude transit.
"This product's major breakthrough is the integration of quantum-secure encryption technology into drones," said Zhou Lei, an exhibitor of Qshine.
"We are introducing an industry-first amphibious design to the product, enabling it to operate seamlessly across three modes -- ground travel, aerial flight, and efficient air-to-ground docking," said Lyu Shengliang, an engineer of GAC Group.
Last year, China's low-altitude economy exceeded 500 billion yuan (about 71 billion U.S. dollars), and is projected to surpass one trillion yuan by 2026.
Experts said China's three main city clusters are taking different paths in the low-altitude economy. South China's Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area focuses on innovation and commercialization, while the eastern region of the Yangtze River Delta, which includes Shanghai, specializes in high-end manufacturing and smart development, while the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle in southwestern China on affordable and efficient solutions.
The airshow is scheduled to last through Sunday.
"Flying car" debuts at Airshow China unveil diverse tech paths of low-altitude economy
