Chongqing-Chengdu's first low-altitude flight route launched in Liangjiang

The first low-altitude flight route connecting Chongqing and Chengdong departs from Longxing General Airport in Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, on Aug 1. [Photo/liangjiang.gov.cn]

On Aug 1, an Aurora SA60L aircraft carrying two passengers took off from Longxing General Airport in Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, at 10:06 am and landed at Chengdu Luodai General Airport at 11:56 am.

Following a brief rest, the crew departed from Luodai General Airport at 12:59 pm and returned to Longxing General Airport at 2:50 pm.

The flight marks the launch of the first round-trip low-altitude flight route between Chongqing and Chengdu as well as the first time an aviation enthusiast has participated in such a transfer flight. This milestone marks a major step forward for the low-altitude economy, noted a local official.

"I have dreamed of flying since I was a child. This is my first time piloting a plane between Chengdu and Chongqing, and I am extremely excited," said Li Xudong, the aviation enthusiast who piloted the flight.

Li obtained his sports pilot license earlier this year and has accumulated nearly 100 hours of flight time, including over 10 transfer flights.

Chen Yiqiang, general manager of Chongqing Pengzhiyi General Aviation Co, noted that his company approved the flight route on July 26, paving the way for the regular operation of the Chongqing-Chengdu route.

The flight was piloted by Pengzhiyi flight instructor Wang Huiquan, who has over 30 years of flying experience. He explained that the flight from Longxing General Airport passed through Hechuan, Tongnan, Anyue, and Lezhi before reaching Chengdu Luodai Airport, covering a total distance of approximately 300 kilometers at a speed of about 160 km/h and flying at an altitude of less than 300 meters.

Along the way, passengers enjoyed scenic views of Huaying Mountain, the Jialing and Tuojiang Rivers, and Longquan Mountain. On the return trip, the crew brought back specialties such as peaches from Longquan Mountain in Chengdu.

Pengzhiyi primarily offers personal recreational flights, pilot license training, and aviation science education services. The company can also operate routes to Yongchuan Da'an General Airport, Zigong Fengming General Airport, and other destinations.

In recent years, Liangjiang has been focusing on developing the low-altitude economy as one of the three main pillars of the aerospace information industry. It is coordinating the development of infrastructure, research and development, manufacturing, and comprehensive services to build a full industrial chain and establish itself as a leading demonstration zone for the low-altitude economy in Western China.

Authorities also released an action plan, established a low-altitude route community, and launched regular low-altitude consumption experience scenarios to bolster the growth of the low-altitude economy.