Shanxi Aviation Industry Group contributed to developing North China's Shanxi province into a new beacon for inland open-up and a strong transportation powerhouse, promoting the low-altitude economy in 2024.

Throughout the year, Shanxi's airports achieved a record-breaking passenger throughput of nearly 21 million and a cargo and mail throughput of 75,500 metric tons, marking year-on-year increases of 14.74 percent and 25.57 percent, respectively. Substantial growth was also seen in economic added value, research and development investment, and revenue from emerging industries.

Civil aviation airports build an "air bridge" for Shanxi's opening-up. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

Shanxi's airports operated 246 domestic passenger routes, connecting 92 cities, and three domestic cargo routes, connecting four cities. The number of international and regional passenger routes increased from nine to 15, and the number of connected cities rose from six to 12.

In 2024, nine short-haul routes began operations, with 1,058 flights transporting 4,959 passengers. Efforts were also made to integrate aviation and cultural tourism industries, resulting in three low-altitude tourism projects, with 1,663 flights transporting 4,719 passengers. These numbers reflect year-on-year growth of 28.91 percent and 44.86 percent, respectively.

In 2024, Shanxi Aviation Industry Group invested 15.3 million yuan ($2.11 million) in technological research and development, a 157 percent increase from the previous year, and secured one invention patent and 15 software copyrights.

The company deepened technological innovation by partnering with the North University of China to establish a provincial key laboratory of smart civil aviation and low-altitude intelligent connectivity. The laboratory focuses on conducting applied research on digital transformation and the localization of information systems.