Laixi, a county-level city administered by Qingdao in Shandong province, is positioning itself as a key hub for China's burgeoning general aviation sector, as the country accelerates development of its low-altitude economy.

The city has in recent years built a comprehensive industrial chain covering aircraft research and development, aviation materials processing, precision manufacturing, flight training, air transport services and vocational education, according to local authorities.

A growing cluster has taken shape in Dianbu township in Laixi, home to the city's low-altitude economy industrial park. The park is centered around an A1-level general aviation airport — the highest classification in China — and has become a focal point for industry players.

Wanfeng Aviation, an emerging market player in China's general aviation sector, established a manufacturing base in the park in 2020. The facility focuses on the complete assembly of the Diamond DA50 aircraft and the production of composite material components.

The Laixi site is Wanfeng Aviation's fourth global manufacturing base, marking a significant step in its international expansion, according to the company.

The DA50, a five-seat, single-engine aircraft known for its speed and long range, is widely used in short-haul transport, business aviation and private flying, and has become popular in both domestic and international markets.

Laixi's advantages — including favorable airspace resources and a well-developed industrial ecosystem — have supported flight testing, aircraft delivery and the operation of low-altitude routes. Its forward-looking strategy to prioritize the low-altitude economy aligns closely with Wanfeng's development plans, the company said.

The presence of Wanfeng has helped accelerate the growth of Laixi's general aviation sector. Li Xiangbo, government head of Dianbu, said complete aircraft manufacturing has become a core driver, attracting upstream and downstream enterprises and fostering a more integrated industrial ecosystem.

Lyu Bo, deputy director of Laixi's development and reform bureau, said the city will capitalize on growth in the low-altitude economy this year by upgrading its infrastructure in its low-altitude economy industrial park, advancing construction of an aerospace equipment zone, attracting unmanned aerial vehicle makers and related supply chain projects.

Beyond manufacturing, the sector is expanding into areas such as tourism, agriculture and forestry, and aviation training, Lyu added.

In April 2025, a cross-provincial low-altitude air route linking Xinchang, Zhejiang province and Laixi was launched. The route significantly reduces travel time compared with ground transportation and is opening up new commercial opportunities. Specialty agricultural products from Xinchang can now be transported to Qingdao by air, while travelers from Shandong gain faster access to Xinchang's cultural and tourism resources.

Talent development has also become a key pillar of Laixi's aviation ecosystem. Institutions including Qingdao Vocational College of Aeronautical Science and Technology and Qingdao North Vocational School of Civil Aviation provide a steady pipeline of future talents, with a combined student and faculty population exceeding 10,000.

Cao Qing, president of Qingdao Vocational College of Aeronautical Science and Technology, said the college has introduced specialized programs focused on the low-altitude economy, offering courses in UAV inspection and maintenance, general aircraft maintenance, fixed-wing pilot training and aerial surveying.