Ehang conducts a flight demonstration in the UAE in 2024. /Ehang
Editor's note: Middle East Insights is a special feature series by CMG (China Media Group) Middle East station, offering a comprehensive analysis of pivotal regional issues spanning politics, economics, culture and other pertinent fields within the area. This is the first article in a series of observations on the development of the low-altitude economy in the Gulf region and cooperation between Chinese companies and the local partners.
In the "Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization," a key reform resolution released on Sunday, the development of general aviation and the low-altitude economy was emphasized as a key approach to improving institutions and mechanisms for modernizing infrastructure.
With the global low-altitude economy booming, several Chinese companies have harnessed their innovative strengths to lead the field in global low-altitude aircraft and achieve numerous "firsts" in the Gulf countries.
What is the low-altitude economy?
The low-altitude economy refers to an integrated economic model within the low-altitude airspace (generally vertical heights below 1,000 meters, extending up to 3,000 meters as needed). It encompasses various manned and unmanned aerial activities, driving the development of related fields. This economy includes the low-altitude manufacturing industry, the low-altitude flight industry, the low-altitude support industry and the comprehensive service industry.
In practical terms, the low-altitude economy covers urban or intercity low-altitude air transportation, low-altitude logistics, low-altitude sightseeing, aviation emergency rescue, agricultural and forestry operations, power line inspections and oil pipeline inspections.
Employees of the Huainan Power Supply Company in Anhui use a fire-breathing drone to remove a kite tangled on a 110 kV high-voltage line on March 26, 2019. /CFP
Besides traditional low-altitude aircraft like helicopters and hot air balloons, the development and manufacturing of new types of aircraft such as drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) have become prominent areas in the low-altitude manufacturing industry in recent years.
At the end of 2023, China's Central Economic Work Conference officially designated the low-altitude economy as a national strategic emerging industry. During this year's two sessions, the low-altitude economy was included in the government work report for the first time.
According to a research report by CCID Consulting in April, China's eVTOL industry reached a scale of 980 million yuan (around $135 million) in 2023, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 77.3 percent. The industry is projected to expand to 9.5 billion yuan by 2026.
Many 'firsts' achieved in the Gulf
Although industry insiders have dubbed 2024 the "Year of Low-Altitude Economy," Chinese enterprises have been collaborating with Gulf nations for years. As early as 2017, Chinese companies showcased their self-driving manned aircraft in the UAE, aiming to provide safe, automated and environmentally friendly air transportation solutions for the region's low-altitude economy.
Chinese company Ehang completes a flight demonstration of its manned autonomous flying vehicle in Qatar in 2018. /Ehang
In 2024, China's self-developed eVTOL aircraft, the EH216-S, successfully completed its first manned flight demonstration in Abu Dhabi in May, marking the first such manned flight in the Middle East region.
Additionally, a 2-tonne eVTOL developed by Chinese firm Fengfei Aviation Technology, also made its maiden flight in the UAE, setting a new record for the 2-tonne eVTOL in the region.
The first demonstration flight of EH216-L in the UAE, May 6, 2024. /Ehang
Saudi Arabia, another major Gulf nation, announced this year the introduction of the latest technology with its "air taxi" program. This initiative aims to provide pilgrims with a smarter and more convenient transportation option, as well as to use vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to transport Hajj pilgrims and medical supplies in emergencies.
In June, China's Ehang completed the first air taxi flight in the holy city of Mecca, reducing the travel time from the country's second-largest city, Jeddah, to Mecca to just 20 minutes, compared to 1 to 1.5 hours by bus or taxi.
Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services of Saudi Arabia attends the demonstration flight event, May 6, 2024. /Ehang
Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, president of the General Authority for Civil Aviation, stated that the maiden flight marks a major advancement in Saudi Arabia's development of advanced air mobility. He particularly highlighted the contribution from Chinese and Saudi companies, noting that they played a crucial role in achieving this "historic milestone" for Saudi Arabia.
He Tianxing, vice president of China's Ehang, told CGTN, "With the ongoing innovation in unmanned aerial vehicle technology and the growing global demand for urban air mobility, Chinese companies have gained a first-mover advantage and leading applications in the global low-altitude economy sector."
As companies expand internationally, the market space for low-altitude economic development will further expand, and Chinese enterprises will play an increasingly significant role in the growth of the region's low-altitude economy, driving high-quality development in its advanced air mobility industry.
Supervisor: Mu Li
Producer: Li Chao
Reporter: Wang Xuejing