China’s AS700 manned airship completes first commercial flight
China's AS700 manned airship on Friday completed its maiden commercial flight in central China's Hubei Province, marking a milestone as the nation's first domestic airship to enter commercial operation.
The AS700 took off from Wuhan Hannan Airport. During its low-altitude debut, the airship performed demonstration flights over several urban districts before returning safely to its base.
The airship is designed to meet a growing demand for low-altitude economy applications.
"The airship is distinguished by its low-altitude and low-speed flight profile, combined with high safety and exceptional stability. It offers a maximum range of 700 kilometers and an endurance of up to 10 hours, with a service ceiling of 3,000 meters. These characteristics make it ideal for aerial sightseeing, outdoor advertising, and emergency rescue operations," said Chen Yangling, chairman of Changjiang Hangte Low-Altitude Aircraft Technology Co., Ltd.
The airship is operated exclusively by Changjiang Hangte, a subsidiary of Changjiang Industrial Investment Group. In December 2025, the Civil Aviation Administration of China's Central and Southern Regional Administration issued an operating certificate for the company, making it China's first enterprise authorized to conduct commercial manned airship operations.
Looking ahead, the company plans to leverage its international marketing center in Wuhan city and its primary manufacturing base in Jingmen city to develop a range of products, including aerostats and unmanned cargo aircraft.
"Our vision is to build a distinctive low-altitude economy industrial cluster by integrating research and development, manufacturing, production and commercial operations across the entire industry chain," Chen said.
