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AINonline • Jennifer Meszaros

Xi orders a fast track for UAS and eVTOLs in push for a 'low‑altitude economic revolution'

President Xi has instructed government agencies to accelerate adoption of unmanned aircraft systems and eVTOLs, directing regulatory, infrastructure and operational work to cultivate a 'low‑altitude' economy. The move signals Beijing intends to fast‑track commercial drone and urban air mobility deployment across civilian sectors.

2026-01-28T07:19:24.470852-08:00

SpaceNews.com

China to accelerate 2026 launch cadence with crewed-lunar tests, moon mission and reusable‑rocket trials

2026-01-28T06:59:08.523252-08:00

PaxEx.Aero

Airbus adds China’s Spacesail (Qianfan) LEO constellation to HPCplus

2026-01-26T18:59:54.299276-08:00

ch-aviation

Jiaxing airport opens to civilian traffic with cargo-first strategy

2026-01-26T16:31:28.781213-08:00

Hype Analysis

China's Aviation Industry in September 2024: Key Developments and Trends

October 3, 2024 - China's aviation industry in September 2024 expanded international routes, advanced the COMAC C919, and navigated competitive pressures. Read More.

News Timeline

AINonline

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Xi orders a fast track for UAS and eVTOLs in push for a 'low‑altitude economic revolution' President Xi has instructed government agencies to accelerate adoption of unmanned aircraft systems and eVTOLs, directing regulatory, infrastructure and operational work to cultivate a 'low‑altitude' economy. The move signals Beijing intends to fast‑track commercial drone and urban air mobility deployment across civilian sectors.

2026-01-28T07:19:24.470852-08:00

Xi orders a fast track for UAS and eVTOLs in push for a 'low‑altitude economic revolution'

SpaceNews.com

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China to accelerate 2026 launch cadence with crewed-lunar tests, moon mission and reusable‑rocket trials China plans a stepped‑up 2026 space manifest aiming for a record launch cadence while conducting tests tied to a future crewed lunar program, flying a major lunar mission and validating reusable‑rocket technologies — signalling a push toward operational lunar capability and higher domestic launch tempo.

2026-01-28T06:59:08.523252-08:00

China to accelerate 2026 launch cadence with crewed-lunar tests, moon mission and reusable‑rocket trials

PaxEx.Aero

Airbus adds China’s Spacesail (Qianfan) LEO constellation to HPCplus Airbus has added China's Spacesail (Qianfan) low-Earth-orbit constellation to its HPCplus portfolio, positioning Spacesail as a native LEO option within the OEM's inflight-connectivity offering. The move opens the door to commercial talks with airlines about deploying Spacesail services on HPCplus-equipped airframes.

2026-01-26T18:59:54.299276-08:00

Airbus adds China’s Spacesail (Qianfan) LEO constellation to HPCplus

ch-aviation

Jiaxing airport opens to civilian traffic with cargo-first strategy Jiaxing airport has opened to civilian traffic and will prioritise air cargo operations, positioning the new facility as a freight-focused gateway. The move creates dedicated capacity for cargo services — including operators referenced in regional reporting such as YTO Cargo Airlines — amid growing Asian logistics activity.

2026-01-26T16:31:28.781213-08:00

Jiaxing airport opens to civilian traffic with cargo-first strategy

ato.ru

COMAC C919-600 high‑altitude shortened variant photographed in Shanghai ahead of flight‑test campaign A shortened, high‑altitude variant of COMAC’s C919, designated C919‑600, was photographed at the manufacturer’s Shanghai facility and is being staged for an upcoming flight‑test campaign. The images are the first public sighting of the variant, indicating expansion of the C919 family configuration options.

2026-01-21T16:04:34.460739-08:00

COMAC C919-600 high‑altitude shortened variant photographed in Shanghai ahead of flight‑test campaign

Space.com

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Shenzhou-20 lands after unplanned 270‑day mission following suspected debris strike; crew honoured China's Shenzhou-20 capsule landed at the Dongfeng site on Jan. 19, ending an unplanned 270‑day mission after roughly nine months docked to the Tiangong space station. The return vehicle survived a suspected orbital‑debris strike, and the three crew received aerospace achievement medals and 'Heroic Astronaut' honours on Jan. 21.

2026-01-21T08:22:45.362551-08:00

Shenzhou-20 lands after unplanned 270‑day mission following suspected debris strike; crew honoured

SpaceWatch Global

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China’s Satellite Surge: Growth Curves and Strategic Implications China's annual satellite launches accelerated sharply from 111 in 2021 to 378 in 2025, driving rapid expansion of LEO constellations and national orbital assets. The surge increases China's on-orbit capacity and raises strategic questions for commercial market balance and defense-related capabilities.

2026-01-21T00:17:44.614725-08:00

China’s Satellite Surge: Growth Curves and Strategic Implications

AeroTime

DOJ moves to seize two TFASA-built P-8-style ASW trainers intercepted en route to China’s PLA The US Department of Justice filed a civil forfeiture complaint seeking to seize two P-8-style anti-submarine warfare mission crew trainers manufactured by South Africa’s TFASA. Authorities intercepted the systems while they were in transit to the People’s Liberation Army of China, and DOJ has opened federal forfeiture proceedings.

2026-01-20T02:30:54.300702-08:00

DOJ moves to seize two TFASA-built P-8-style ASW trainers intercepted en route to China’s PLA

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China News

Xi orders a fast track for UAS and eVTOLs in push for a 'low‑altitude economic revolution'

China to accelerate 2026 launch cadence with crewed-lunar tests, moon mission and reusable‑rocket trials

Airbus adds China’s Spacesail (Qianfan) LEO constellation to HPCplus

Jiaxing airport opens to civilian traffic with cargo-first strategy

Hype Analysis

China's Aviation Industry in September 2024: Key Developments and Trends

News Timeline