The Xiangyun AS700 is China's first self-developed civil airship. [Photo/Tide News]

China's first self-developed civil airship, the Xiangyun AS700, completed a commercial pilot training flight on Jan 6 at Jianshui Science and Technology City in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province. Under instructor guidance, the first group of three trainees conducted full-scenario practical training, covering pre-flight inspections, takeoff, hovering, turning, and low-altitude flyovers in strict accordance with flight standards.

The training cohort consists of 10 experienced civil aviation pilots selected from across the country. To obtain a commercial airship pilot license — which would make them China's first — they must accumulate 50 hours of flight time and pass a practical examination. Instructor Lin Hong, a retired air force pilot, said that airship operations differ significantly from fixed-wing operations, emphasizing precise control in low-speed, low-altitude, and low-noise environments, which necessitates specialized training.

Since introducing East China's first AS700 manned airship, Shaoxing's Yuecheng district has steadily progressed toward its goal of becoming the first hub for commercial airship operations, with plans to deploy the airship for tourism, aerial photography, advertising, and emergency rescue.

Jin Liwei, an official from the Jianshui Science and Technology City construction management office, said that plans are underway to establish the Yangtze River Delta's first commercial airship pilot training base at the site to cultivate core talent for the airship commercialization.