China's domestically produced AS700 civil manned airship has successfully completed its inaugural demonstration flight, heralding a significant advancement in the nation's low-altitude tourism potential.

The flight took place in Hubei Province, where the AS700 departed from Zhanghe Airport in Jingmen City. This exercise was part of efforts to demonstrate the airship's capabilities in providing scenic tourist flights, as reported by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, or AVIC.

During the nearly two-hour flight, passengers were treated to stunning aerial views of local attractions, including parks and riverside islands, all visible through the airship's large panoramic windows. The airship operated at an altitude of 500 meters and a cruising speed of 60 kilometers per hour.

The AS700 is a single-capsule, manned airship built to accommodate up to 10 individuals, including a pilot. It boasts a maximum take-off weight of 4,150 kilograms, a flight range of up to 700 kilometers, and an endurance of 10 hours. Its ability to perform vertical take-off and landing in confined spaces enhances its operational versatility compared to conventional airships, according to AVIC.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) granted the AS700 a type certificate in December last year, and the first unit is expected to be delivered by the end of this year. AVIC has already received letters of intent to purchase 20 units from various buyers, detailed Du Wei, the project manager for the AS700.

China's low-altitude economy is witnessing significant growth, driven by its vast landscape and densely populated urban clusters. In 2023, this economic segment is believed to have exceeded 500 billion yuan, approximately 70.1 billion dollars, with projections suggesting it could soar to 2 trillion yuan by 2030, as stated by the CAAC.

In a collaborative initiative, the AVIC Special Vehicle Research Institute is working with local governments to explore practical applications for low-altitude airships and aims to establish the nation's inaugural low-altitude airship tourism route.

Beyond tourism, AVIC sees potential roles for the AS700 in logistics, intelligent surveying, and mapping applications, thereby emphasizing the airship's versatility in various sectors.

With insights from Xinhua, this flight marks a crucial step forward in developing China's air transportation landscape, particularly in low-altitude ventures.