BEIJING: China’s first commercial blimp has recently flown! A new era for low-altitude commercial flights began when the AS700 took off in Wuhan, flew above the city at low altitude, and made a safe landing. The airship has a service ceiling of 3,000 meters, a maximum range of 700 kilometers, and a ten-hour endurance. Before making a safe return to its base, the airship conducted demonstration flights over a number of populated areas. The airship is made to satisfy the increasing need for low-altitude economy applications.
Built by Changjiang Hangte Low-Altitude Aircraft Technology Co., a division of Changjiang Industrial Investment Group, the aircraft stands out for its low-speed flight profile, high stability, and safety, making it appropriate for outdoor advertising, passenger sightseeing, emergency rescue missions, and other uses. It is intended to serve China’s growing “low-altitude economy,” a framework that encourages commercial and civil aeronautical activity below conventional aircraft altitudes. It can accommodate up to ten people, including the pilot. After years of research, testing, and certification, the AS700 made its commercial debut. In December 2023, the Civil Aviation Administration of China granted the model a type certificate, making it the nation’s first manned airship to obtain domestic certification.
The airship’s capabilities in a variety of situations, such as long-distance and demonstration flights, have previously been shown during extensive trial flights. China is also developing an electric version called the AS700D, which finished its first flight in early 2025, in addition to the present version. This variant offers a potential expansion route for low-altitude aerial services in the future because it has a totally electric motor system that lowers pollutants and noise.
