Shanghai's Changning district has released its 2026–30 aviation services development plan, outlining measures across five areas to strengthen Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport's international passenger and cargo connectivity, expand aviation services, and accelerate the development of the low-altitude economy.

The district is home to more than 800 aviation companies and 60 percent of Shanghai's airline headquarters. Revenue from the air transport sector reached 206.5 billion yuan ($30.71 billion) in 2025.

By 2030, Changning aims to host 900 or more aviation service companies, with sector revenue reaching 240 billion yuan.

It also targets at least 200 companies across the core segments of the aviation industry chain, as well as 30 or more new headquarters-type companies in the low-altitude economy.

Building the aviation service ecosystem

Changning will develop a high-end aviation services industry chain by attracting regional headquarters of Chinese and international airlines, Shanghai offices of overseas carriers, aircraft leasing company headquarters, and aviation training, consulting, exhibition, and legal service providers.

It will use the Shanghai International Aviation Court of Arbitration to promote alternative dispute resolution and to expand aircraft leasing, aviation insurance, aviation funds, fixed-base operator (FBO) services, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for business aviation.

The district will strengthen policy and institutional support in key areas by streamlining customs clearance for imported aircraft, aviation materials, and food products.

It will also provide overseas testing, certification, intellectual property, and compliance services to electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft manufacturers and other companies expanding internationally.

Accelerating development of the Hongqiao Airport Economic Demonstration Zone

Changning will accelerate development of the area east of Hongqiao airport by working with aviation authorities, airlines, and airport operators to attract companies, supply chain businesses, and industry organizations.

It will also improve transportation access across the demonstration zone by strengthening cargo distribution, air-rail connections, and coordination with surrounding transportation hubs in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.

Strengthening Hongqiao International Airport's hub functions

Changning will expand passenger services at Hongqiao airport by strengthening coordination with Pudong International Airport and promoting new international routes to destinations such as Singapore.

It will also support Hongqiao's business aviation base, customized routes, cooperation with surrounding airports, and off-airport city terminals that offer advance departure and check-in formalities.

The district will strengthen air cargo capacity, focusing on international air cargo transfer services. It will support dedicated freighter routes, greater use of belly-hold capacity on domestic and international passenger flights, and air cargo capacity for cross-border e-commerce.

The plan will also explore a blockchain-based single-document system for electronic air waybills and study cargo transfers between Hongqiao and Pudong airports.

Hongqiao airport will upgrade its hub services and expand non-aeronautical commercial services. These measures include more convenient baggage handling, seamless transfers, online processing, and dedicated services and security channels for business travelers.

The airport will also expand interactive retail offerings and strengthen commercial ties with the Hongqiao International Central Business District and surrounding areas.

Developing the low-altitude economy

The low-altitude economy agenda covers airworthiness certification, flight support, research and development, headquarters platforms, and supporting services.

Changning will develop low-altitude air traffic management, real-time aircraft monitoring, and flight, command, training, and registration services.

Research will focus on new materials, control chips, flight control systems, and fault diagnosis technologies for drones.

The district will attract research, operations, sales, and innovation headquarters while developing low-altitude passenger and cargo transport and product trading.

Supporting services will include aircraft leasing, insurance, testing and certification, human resources, and legal services. Changning will also participate in standards development and explore low-altitude fare and transaction indexes.

Building a safe, green, and smart airport

The plan calls for the use of technology to make Hongqiao airport safer, greener, smarter, and more sustainable. The airport will expand its use of clean and renewable energy, improve charging facilities, and use clean-energy and new-energy alternatives for new and replacement non-road mobile equipment.

The plan also calls for integrated operational data platforms and an AI-enabled "Hongqiao airport brain" to improve information sharing and decision-making among civil aviation operators.

Source: Changning district commission of commerce