(Handout via Xinhua)

Suzhou has been designated as one of six pilot cities for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL), alongside Hefei, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Chongqing.

This designation grants local governments greater autonomy in managing flight routes and planning airspace below 600 meters for eVTOL, a key component of the low-altitude economy.

Suzhou has taken an early lead in eVTOL development, with Kunshan-based AutoFlight being one of China's earliest companies in the sector.

Aiming to establish national demonstration zone for the low-altitude economy, Suzhou has issued an action plan for 2024-2026, a general development plan for 2024-2030 and other supportive measures.

To date, Suzhou has developed an industry chain spanning R&D, manufacturing, and applications. The city has committed over 20 billion yuan in funding so far and signed over 300 new projects with a total investment exceeding 90 billion yuan this year.

To advance applications, Suzhou has opened over 100 low-altitude flight routes catering to various scenarios, such as logistics, aerial tourism and transport, with nearly 100 take-off and landing points now in place.