World Debut in Suzhou: A Ground‑Effect Wing Aircraft That Needs No Airports
30–80 centimetres above water, speed up to 85 km/h, 90 percent of business overseas, and China holds 51 percent of global low‑altitude economy patents
As reported by CCTV+, the world’s first consumer ground‑effect wing aircraft made its debut in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. The craft is designed to glide over water surfaces and requires no airports or special parking facilities.
Developed by Chinese company NAVEE, the aircraft flies at an altitude of 30 to 80 centimetres above water and can reach speeds of up to 85 kilometres per hour. It targets overseas buyers – 90 percent of the company’s business is abroad.
Wang Yaozhang, Chief Product Officer of NAVEE, explained: “The craft can be used for entertainment projects, as well as in luxury hotels, resorts and yacht clubs. We believe its use scenario is very close to that of yachts.”
Morgan Stanley forecasts that by 2030, the global low‑altitude economy market will exceed 2 trillion US dollars. China already leads this sector, holding 51 percent of the world’s patents.
Exports of intelligent products from China have surged in recent months. In the first quarter, the added value of equipment manufacturing grew by 6.2 percent year on year, contributing nearly 20 percent to national industrial growth.
He Jiangpeng, co‑founder of Hangzhou Guangzhilu Tech, shared: “We have received several dozen orders from the United States. From our observations, China’s manufacturing industry is becoming stronger.”
Experts believe that innovative products like the ground‑effect wing aircraft will continue to drive growth. These breakthroughs will not only boost exports but also strengthen China’s position at the forefront of the global low‑altitude economy.
A ground‑effect wing (ekranoplan) uses aerodynamic lift to fly just above a surface. China is actively developing its “low‑altitude economy”, which includes drones, air taxis and such ground‑effect vehicles.
China has once again surprised the world – not with low costs, but with engineering ingenuity. This flying craft needs no runway, does not clutter the sky, and skims just above the water like a dream. And most importantly, it is already in demand abroad: 90 percent of NAVEE’s business is export. While others debate rules, China is creating products that set new standards. The question is not whether anyone will catch up with China in the low‑altitude race. The question is whether the rest are ready to fly so low and so confidently. For now – no.
