Translated with AI
The Aviation Industry Corporation of China ( AVIC ) has announced plans to launch the country's first passenger airship, the Xiangyun AS700, as early as 2026, according to an official statement from the developer.
The airship, named Xiangyun (Auspicious Clouds), was the first manned aircraft of its type to be independently developed in China to meet airworthiness standards.
The device was unofficially nicknamed the "celestial beluga" due to its white color and streamlined shape, reminiscent of a whale.
The airship is 50 meters long, has a maximum range of 700 kilometers , and can fly at altitudes ranging from 100 to 300 meters . It can accommodate up to 10 passengers .
According to the corporation, Xiangyun AS700 will be used not only in the field of air tourism , but also for emergency rescue operations, advertising purposes and scientific research .
It is noted that the project is part of China's larger strategy to develop the so-called "low-altitude economy" —a sector that includes the use of drones, airships, and vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China estimates that the market will be worth 1.5 trillion yuan (about $210 billion) by 2025, and could increase to 3.5 trillion yuan ($490 billion) by 2035.
