AVIC's AS700 "Xiangyun" Airship Secures 18-Unit Order, Propelling China's Low-Altitude Economy
- MM24 News Desk
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
The Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC) has secured a major purchase contract for 18 of its AS700 "Xiangyun" manned airships, marking a critical step in the commercialization of China's homegrown passenger airships and fueling the rapid expansion of the nation's low-altitude economy. The deal with Zhejiang Airspace Integration Low-altitude Industry Development Co. signals a transition from single deliveries to batch production for the innovative aircraft.
This 18-unit order, reported by the Global Times, represents the first bulk purchase since AVIC announced the initial delivery of an AS700 in East China earlier in the year. The progression from a display at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow to a strategic framework and now a substantial order in 2025 demonstrates remarkably fast-tracked development. According to a statement from the Special Vehicle Research Institute (SVRI) under AVIC, the partnership has evolved within a single year from focusing on "a single product" to embarking on "full-chain cooperation."
This leap is significant. What does it mean for China's aviation ambitions? The move from initial delivery to multiple production orders, combined with ongoing operational validation, indicates that China has successfully established a complete industrial chain for manned airships. This chain encompasses everything from research and development to production, certification, delivery, and finally, commercial operation, stated the SVRI.
The AS700 itself is a landmark achievement. It is certified as China's first manned airship to be developed in full compliance with national airworthiness regulations and boasts completely independent intellectual property rights. This 50-meter-long aircraft isn't just a technological showpiece; it's designed for practical, revenue-generating missions. With a maximum range of 700 kilometers and a capacity for up to 10 passengers, it is poised to open new vistas in aerial tourism and beyond.
Its operational profile is uniquely suited for these roles. The airship capitalizes on what developers call "low-altitude, slow-flight, safe and reliable" features. Imagine floating silently at an optimal sightseeing altitude of 100-300 meters, offering passengers an unparalleled bird's-eye view of the picturesque Jiangnan waterways. This immersive experience, reported the Global Times, highlights a specific appeal that traditional ground-based travel simply cannot replicate.
But the vision for the AS700 extends far beyond scenic tours. The Special Vehicle Research Institute has outlined ambitious plans to expand its manufacturing base, establish regional delivery centers, and set up key customer service hubs. The goal is to broaden application scenarios to include critical services such as urban security patrols, aerial surveying and mapping, emergency rescue operations, and even educational programs. This diversified approach is intended to help build a robust, nationwide low-altitude economy cluster.
The potential of this economic sector is staggering. Data released at the recent 2025 China (Jiangxi) Aviation Industry Conference in Jingdezhen projected that China's low-altitude economy will balloon to a scale of 1.5 trillion yuan ($211.17 billion) this very year. Furthermore, it is forecast to exceed 2 trillion yuan by 2030. The successful commercialization of the AS700 "Xiangyun" is a tangible asset that will help transform these projections into reality, putting China firmly on the map in the emerging global market for advanced air mobility.
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