Wuhan Hannan Airport in WEDZ. [Photo/WeChat account: whkfq]
Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone (WEDZ) is making significant strides in the low-altitude economy, marked by the recent delivery of its first Dongfeng Mach Power 2.0T flight engine.
Dongfeng Motor has capitalized on its advancements in fuel-powered, hybrid, and electric technologies to build a comprehensive system designed for future low-altitude transportation.
In April, the Mach Power 1.5TD high-performance engine completed its initial ground power coordination for a low-altitude drone project. By July, the engine had undergone a successful test flight.
WEDZ has been accelerating the development of the low-altitude economy by establishing the General Aviation and Satellite Industrial Park and completing Wuhan Hannan Airport.
Over 20 prominent low-altitude economic enterprises, including Xuri Lantian and Vertifly, have been attracted to the area. General aviation operators like CITIC Offshore Helicopter Co, which specialize in short-distance transport and emergency rescue, have also set up operations in the zone.
In September, Xuri Lantian launched the Mercury X480, a versatile heavy-duty drone designed for applications in power construction, mountain transport, and emergency rescue.
The company has also pioneered a smart logistics drone delivery network, transforming convenience stores into aerial platforms. Through a mobile app, residents can order daily necessities, which are swiftly delivered to designated logistics points.
WEDZ has established an innovation center for low-altitude logistics enterprises, a joint laboratory focused on intelligent flight control, and has been approved for nine regular low-altitude routes, supporting applications such as sightseeing, short-distance transport, and material delivery.
Short-haul passenger routes from Hannan to Shiyan and Jingzhou have now been operational for over a year, with 134 flights and nearly 500 passengers transported.
