Foreign trade representatives experience an eVTOL aircraft at Hongqiao 365. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-drc]
Shanghai's Hongqiao Import Commodity Exhibition and Trade Center, also known as Hongqiao 365, is seeking to become a display and trading platform for low-altitude aircraft and a hub for low-altitude flights in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region.
It is advancing low-altitude flight operations in the region, focusing on eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft, resource matching, and policy formulation.
During the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE), Hongqiao 365 hosted the "Towards Innovation" Future Mobility Exhibition, showcasing major low-altitude industry manufacturers and eVTOL models.
In late 2024, 48 foreign trade representatives experienced eVTOL aircraft at Hongqiao 365. They explored various applications, such as emergency rescue, logistics, and tourism.
A representative noted the vast potential of vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, especially in developing countries with limited infrastructure. Another highlighted the benefits of unmanned logistics aircraft in diverse landscapes like Latin America.
The strategic emerging industry has attracted attention of established foreign trade companies. Orient International, for example, has been a key player in promoting the low-altitude economy. It is exploring drone logistics to enhance its import and export business, focusing on custom eVTOLs and lightweight containers for cost-effective transportation in underdeveloped areas.
The Hongqiao International Open Hub Intercity Low-Altitude Experimental Route that covers Shanghai's Hongqiao, Jiangsu province's Suzhou, Zhejiang province's Jiaxing, and Anhui province's Wuhu was launched during the seventh CIIE. It aims to help form a low-altitude economic industry chain, promoting business travel, cultural tourism, medical rescue, and emergency response.
Hongqiao 365 is exploring the construction of a "low-altitude economic industry innovation platform", serving as a display and trading hub, low-altitude flight hub, and service management center. It is working with industry associations and regulatory bodies to develop policies and standards for the low-altitude economy.
With its proximity to Hongqiao International Airport, Hongqiao 365 envisions becoming an "urban terminal", transforming rooftops into aircraft landing points and setting up a comprehensive low-altitude flight facility and service network. This would enable quick connections to multiple cities in the Yangtze River Delta and offer aerial views of Shanghai.
