A variety of high-end, intelligent low-altitude aircraft, technologies, and service systems are showcased at the ongoing low-altitude economy exhibition in northwest China's Xi'an, drawing considerable attention from visitors.
Themed "Green Low Altitude, Smart Future," the 2024 China (Xi'an) International Low Altitude Economy Development Conference, running from Friday to Sunday, has attracted over 200 domestic exhibitors and more than 500 guests from governments, universities and businesses.
The event features 10 exhibition areas, displaying various types of low-altitude aircraft, infrastructure, accessories, and service support, offering a comprehensive view of China's achievements in the development of the low altitude economy.
A special flight experience area has also been set up at the exhibition venue, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the sensation of flying in simulated cockpits.
"Many customers have come to us to inquire about simulated drone cockpits. After seeing relevant products at the exhibition, we are now gradually moving in that direction to make our products more suitable for the general public," said an exhibitor Xu Huan.
A two-seat electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is also a standout at the event. Made from carbon fiber composite materials, this smart-manufactured aircraft designed for low-altitude airspace has a maximum flight altitude of 1,000 meters and can reach speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour.
"In the field of manned flight, China is in line with the world. Our aircraft doesn't have strict runway requirements and is capable of vertical takeoff. Its rotor blades, body, wings, and landing gear all feature advanced carbon fiber manufacturing processes and technology," said Yang Yong, an exhibitor from company that makes the eVTOL aircraft.
In addition to aircraft for various uses, service systems that support low-altitude flight management and control also draw attention at the exhibition. These systems, helping manage airspace, monitor and oversee flight conditions, are widespread applied across the country.
"We have developed a domestically produced low-altitude economy management system with both hardware and software self-controlled. It allows for comprehensive monitoring and control of flight posture and status of aircraft. If a drone shows dangerous behavior, real-time corrective actions can be taken to ensure safe operation, further realizing a stable and smooth operation and development of the low-altitude economy," said Li Hui from the exhibiting company that develops such a system.
Advanced low-altitude aircraft, technologies shine at Xi'an exhibition
A Chinese representative has called for unity and collaboration in the face of climate crisis after a package of climate agreements was reached early Sunday at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).
The agreements included decisions on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate financing and issues relating to the global carbon market mechanism under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
The agreements set the post-2025 climate finance targets, including an annual funding of at least 300 billion U.S. dollars from developed countries and a broader climate financing goal of at least 1.3 trillion dollars per year by 2035 for supporting developing countries' climate actions.
In his speech at the closing plenary session, Zhao Yingmin, head of the Chinese delegation and vice minister of ecology and environment, highlighted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Over the past 30 years, the process of climate governance under the convention has faced challenges but has consistently moved forward.
Zhao emphasized that humanity is a community with a shared future, and in the face of the climate crisis, unity and collaboration are the only viable paths.
The vice minister also noted that the outcome document on the NCQG revealed that developed countries' financial commitments still fall far short of meeting the needs of developing nations, and their financial obligations must be further clarified.
The upcoming year 2025 will mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Agreement. At this new historic juncture, all parties must remain true to their original aspirations and forge ahead, said the Chinese official.
He added that addressing the global climate crisis requires adhering to the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities", upholding multilateralism, and working together for mutual benefit.
Zhao reaffirmed that China, as a responsible major developing country, will steadfastly promote the multilateral process and international cooperation on climate change, regardless of how the global landscape evolves.
China will continue to implement its national strategy for actively addressing climate change, pursue its carbon peaking and neutrality goals and engage extensively in South-South climate cooperation to contribute to global green, low-carbon, climate-resilient and sustainable development, he said.
The Chinese representative also called on the international community to work together to make substantial progress toward the vision set out in the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement and jointly build a clean and beautiful world.
China calls for unity, cooperation as COP29 reaches global climate deal package
