A Pilatus aircraft owned by Qingdao Zhigang Aviation Sports Club, designated for skydiving activities, arrived at Qingdao Jimo Airport on the morning of July 11, marking the official commencement of operations at the new airport following successful comprehensive inspections by higher construction authorities.

Located in Qingdao's Blue Valley High-Tech Zone (Oceantec Valley), Qingdao Jimo Airport features an 800-meter runway and three vertical taxiways. Spanning a total area of 16,000 square meters, the airport is divided into a terminal zone and a flight zone that includes not only the runway but also a 47,000-square-meter apron area. Emphasizing a "General Aviation + Bonded" model, the airport aims to develop aircraft assembly and delivery, parts manufacturing, maintenance, flight training, operational flying, emergency rescue, aviation tourism, exhibitions, and sales to establish a general aviation manufacturing and operations hub to serve also as an emergency rescue center for Qingdao, Shandong, and beyond.

Jimo District has embarked on leveraging the "low-altitude economy" opportunity to utilize the strategic advantages of the Jimo Comprehensive Bonded Zone and the general aviation airport to accelerate the growth of the aviation industry. Significant focus alongside airport inauguration efforts has been placed on attracting and constructing key projects. Up to seven major projects with a total investment of 2.18 billion yuan are currently underway, with over 20 additional projects including some by Gao Xiang General Aviation, China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics's (CAAA) Near-Space UAVs, and Beijing-based aviation tech startup 90 U-fly which are still in negotiation to ensure robust future development.

Qingdao's Blue Valley High-Tech Zone is, at present, rapidly becoming a hub for the general aviation industry. The official inauguration of the Safran Helicopter Engines Qingdao Training Center fills a gap in the city's helicopter engine maintenance training sector. In contrast, the Qingdao Zhigang Aviation Sports Club project has been signed and registered to bring the aviation sports industry to the region. The six offshore helicopter rescues and 15 inter-hospital helicopter medical transfers conducted by Tongda Feixiang (Qingdao) Emergency Transport provides a new lifeline for public health. "With the airport now operational to support fixed-wing aircraft, UAVs, and helicopters, it serves as a public platform and crucial aerial infrastructure for Qingdao's aviation industry," said Chief of the Blue Valley High-Tech Zone's aviation task force Kang Rui. "This will help Jimo District become a new high ground for aviation industry development."