Visitors view an electric aircraft at an exhibition of the 2024 Low Altitude Economic Development Conference in Wuhu, east China’s Anhui Province, Sept. 6, 2024. An exhibition displaying unmanned aerial vehicles, manned aircraft, airspace management systems, and other innovative hi-tech products of the low-altitude economy industry was held in Wuhu City during the ongoing 2024 Low Altitude Economic Development Conference (LAEC). As part of the three-day LAEC, the exhibition showcases low-altitude application scenarios in transportation, city management, emergency rescue, and many other fields. Photo: Xinhua
China’s low-altitude economy is expected to achieve a market size of approximately 1 trillion yuan ($137 billion) in 2025, the Global Times learned from a press conference on Monday.
By 2030, the industry is projected to surpass 3 trillion yuan by 2030, with drones taking the lead, surpassing 1 trillion yuan, according to China Low Altitude Economy Alliance.
Driven by rapid technological advancements and the gradual easing of policies, China’s low-altitude economy is experiencing unprecedented growth and gaining new momentum.
Several companies have recently made proactive strides in advancing low-altitude projects, while the government has introduced policies to provide strong support to the enterprises.
Chinese urban air mobility technology platform company EHang’s EH216-S autonomous eVTOL successfully conducted its maiden flight in Shanghai last Thursday, marking the debut of air taxis in the global metropolis, the spokesperson for EHang told the Global Times.
The flight, conducted in downtown Shanghai, aimed to showcase the EHang EH216-S’s outstanding performance in convenience, safety, and environmental sustainability in the context of urban air mobility in a global megacity.
The company announced that it plans to commence regular trial operations of the eVTOL sightseeing route at Shanghai Longhua Airport, along the Huangpu River, to prepare for the commercialization of air taxi services in the city.
Earlier, Shanghai unveiled an action plan that outlines clear policy guidance for the high-quality development of its low-altitude economy from 2024 to 2027.
The plan seeks to position Shanghai as a leading hub for innovation, commercial applications, and operational services in the low-altitude sector, with its core industries projected to exceed 50 billion yuan in scale.
The development of China’s low-altitude economy is regarded as a joint accomplishment driven by combined efforts of the government and businesses.
In December 2024, the trial flight for low-altitude transport in the postal and courier industry successfully launched in Dalian, Northeast China’s Liaoning Province, according to the Liaoning Provincial Postal Administration.
The provincial government stated that the administration has consistently supported postal and courier companies in accelerating the adoption of new technologies like drones, expanding the exploration of low-altitude economic applications, and constantly enhancing the sector’s intelligence levels.
Meanwhile, Chongqing Liangjiang New Area in Southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality has unveiled an action plan to establish a pilot zone for the low-altitude economy in the western region, with the goal of accelerating its development, Chongqing Liangjaing New Area reported on official website.
The area will prioritize the research, development, and manufacturing of eVTOLs, aiming to attract leading companies to set up research and development (R&D) and production operations. By leveraging its strengths in the new energy vehicle sector, the area seeks to encourage local companies to explore and invest in flying-car ventures, the report said.
In 2025, national-level plans are set to be gradually rolled out, including a roadmap for developing low-altitude economy, accompanied by standards, regulations, and policies governing air traffic, China Low Altitude Economy Alliance told the Global Times.
Local governments at all levels are expected to accelerate the construction of air traffic networks and essential ground-based flight service infrastructure, the association said.
In 2025, more research institutions and companies are projected to increase investment in low-altitude aircraft development, while several leading international aviation companies are anticipated to broaden their footprint in China, according to the China Low Altitude Economy Alliance.
By 2030, major cities in China are expected to fully transition into the low-altitude economy era, the association said.
