Qingdao West Coast New Area (Qingdao WCNA) has secured a significant deal to establish North China's first integrated electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) low-altitude coastal tourism and transportation hub.

On Oct 23, the Qingdao WCNA Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Qingdao West Coast Tourism Investment Group, and Changkong Flying General Aviation Group Co Ltd signed an investment agreement for the project. This initiative is set to create a new growth engine for the region's low-altitude economy.

The initiative will introduce leading "air taxis", including the EHang EH216S, VT35, and Aerofugia AE2000. It will cover a wide array of low-altitude economy sectors, such as aerial sightseeing, flight experiences, flying cinemas, and aviation-themed homestays, crafting a series of unique marine-themed low-altitude demonstration scenarios. The project will establish an eVTOL delivery and hosting center for the northern region, serving Shandong and Northeast China, thereby completing the low-altitude economy industrial value chain.

Future plans include integrating the hub with Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport and Qingdao West Railway Station to expand intercity commuting and island transfer services. This will establish a low-altitude transportation network to surrounding cities, dramatically improving travel efficiency for both residents and tourists.

Changkong Flying General Aviation Group has built a comprehensive commercial ecosystem centered on the integration of "eVTOL + unmanned systems + low-altitude flight + industry", spanning flight experience, tourism, training, and cultural consumption.

Qingdao WCNA has set a foundation for its general aerospace industry, focused on R&D and manufacturing of engines and drones. This new hub advances the area's technological and economic profile.

A rendered image of the take-off and landing area for the eVTOL hub. [Photo/WeChat account: qdxihaianfabu]