In a recent industry conference held in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, experts underscored the crucial role of international collaboration in advancing China's low-altitude aviation sector. The 2026 Vertical Take-Off and Landing Aircraft Conference reflected significant progress in integrating research, industry, and academia, fostering innovation in this rapidly developing field.
The event highlighted the expansion of the industry consortium, which now includes over 210 organizations across testing, certification, telecommunications, and aircraft systems. Specialists noted that technological breakthroughs in new energy vertical aircraft are driven by systemic reforms encompassing design, manufacturing, and airworthiness protocols.
Academician Sun Yize stressed the importance of establishing comprehensive standards and enhancing cooperation across the industry to facilitate safe and sustainable development. Meanwhile, Deng Pingyu of AVIC emphasized that a fully integrated, controllable industrial ecosystem is vital for long-term growth and technological independence.
The conference also unveiled various innovation achievements, including electric propulsion systems and high-performance materials, and initiated an open competition targeting key technological bottlenecks. Additionally, agreements were signed by five companies to develop a rotorcraft manufacturing innovation center, aimed at providing advanced test and verification facilities.
Gao Xiaoyun, vice-mayor of Jingdezhen, reaffirmed the city’s commitment to expanding its aviation industry, highlighting its capabilities in aircraft R&D, manufacturing, and operational support. He noted plans to further exploit low-altitude aviation applications such as tourism and urban monitoring, contributing to the region’s industrial diversification.
