The flight base in Pingyuanchi village, Rugao. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

A new tourism trend is emerging in Pingyuanchi village, Rugao, where the combination of low-altitude aviation and tourism is positioning the village as a rising star in the local tourism sector. 

At the flight base located in the northwest of the village's tourism zone, visitors can take sightseeing flights to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the landscape. The base was founded by Hao Peng, a retired air force pilot with 25 years of flying experience. With strong government support, the base quickly took shape, including the construction of a runway and a 1,500-square-meter hangar. "It took less than six months to complete the infrastructure," Hao noted, praising Rugao's business-friendly environment.

For Hao, ensuring the flight base operates efficiently and achieves profitability remains a key challenge. "Our revenue mainly comes from three sources: tourist flight experiences, flight license training, and aircraft storage services," he explained. "We currently have two aircraft and nine regular trainees, and last year, we were able to break even financially. On an average day, we receive three to four groups of tourists, and on busy days, over 30 people experience flying. Many are also interested in obtaining a pilot's license." As public interest in low-altitude tourism grows, Hao sees a promising outlook for the industry's expansion this year.

Since February, Hao has attracted numerous enterprises and government representatives eager to explore the applications and business models of the low-altitude economy. "The flight base is still in its early stages, but with the involvement of the government, investors, and leading enterprises, I believe more flight bases will be established, accelerating the development of this emerging industry," he remarked.