In Huangpu District, Guangzhou, southern China, a company that manufactures unmanned passenger aircraft will soon launch a commercial low-altitude passenger flight project. Through online reservations, members of the public will be able to board the aircraft for a sightseeing route lasting about three and a half minutes, offering views over Huangpu District and Dongguan across the river.

Another Guangzhou company has already received more than 2,000 intent orders for its two aircraft models. It expects to complete airworthiness certification and begin mass production by the end of 2026. Its four-seat aircraft can travel 200 to 250 kilometres, and the company says it could reduce Greater Bay Area intercity commuting time by two to three times. This year, it will set up one or two demonstration operation points in Guangzhou, with fares expected to be about two to three times the cost of a normal taxi ride. Public access is planned for 2027.

Guangzhou, one of China’s key pilot cities for the low-altitude economy, has already planned more than 100 regular takeoff and landing points, along with low-altitude smart network infrastructure. As more takeoff sites, backup landing sites, and other facilities come online, ring-shaped low-altitude routes around the city are expected to take shape, helping Guangzhou build its “sky city” industrial map.