(Yicai) March 7 -- Delegates from Hubei province have proposed transforming the central region into a national low-altitude economy demonstration zone during the annual session of China's top legislative body.

The central government could approve the inclusion of Hubei cities such as Wuhan and Jingmen in a pilot program of national urban air traffic management bases to pioneer testing of low-altitude traffic operations, safety protocols, and service guarantee models, according to Huang Li, a deputy to the National People's Congress and chairman of Wuhan-based thermal camera maker Guide Infrared, who spoke with Yicai during the ongoing Two Sessions.

China is developing its low-altitude airspace into an industry encompassing urban air mobility, drones, and electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, including services such as drone delivery for e-commerce and electric flying taxis.

Hubei possesses a strong foundation for developing the low-altitude economy. The province has long held the domestic top position in the number of general aviation hours. Moreover, it boasts a complete industrial chain from aircraft manufacturing to the production of key components, as well as numerous scientific research institutions and professionals in related fields.

Last November, the provincial capital of Wuhan received approval for 18 commercial routes for low-altitude aviation, comprising five manned routes and 13 cargo routes, covering short-distance transportation, aerial tours, and logistics services.

Certification

Challenges remain. Huang from Guide Infrared noted that certifying new aircraft generally takes excessive time, with type certificates -- safety verifications that precede production and airworthiness certificates -- being the most challenging to obtain.

"The lengthy airworthiness certification process not only significantly increases enterprises' research and development costs and investment of time but also causes some new aircraft to miss market opportunities and weakens the competitiveness of China's low-altitude aircraft products in the international market," Huang explained.

Yan Dapeng, another NPC deputy and chief engineer of Wuhan-based fiber laser firm Raycus Fiber Laser Technologies, suggested that the government should accelerate the establishment of regulations and standards in the low-altitude aviation industry. Simultaneously, it could promote integrated planning and design of low-altitude, ground, and rail transportation to create a comprehensive three-dimensional transportation network.

Known as the Two Sessions, the NPC and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference convene each March to consider proposals and establish the country's political and economic priorities.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Emmi Laine