China's low-altitude economy development: Integration and expansion

Editor's note: Dong Zhiyi is the former deputy director of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the chief expert on the low-altitude economy at the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Dong's article is originally in Chinese and has been translated here. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

As a strategic emerging industry, the low-altitude economy is reshaping modern industrial structures with unprecedented dynamism. 

The year 2024 is widely regarded as the "Year One of the Low-Altitude Economy," as policies, technology, capital and market forces converge to drive the sector toward high-quality development. 

In Premier Li Qiang's government work report delivered during this year's Two Sessions, the call to "promote the safe and sound development of ... the low-altitude economy, and other emerging industries" was reiterated, marking the second consecutive year that the concept has been included in the report. 

As a representative of new productive forces, how can the low-altitude economy break through existing barriers? Its development trajectory, ecosystem construction, and international collaboration require systematic strategic thinking and innovative practices.

Development pathway: Integration and expansion

The concept of the low-altitude economy is unique to China, formulated based on technological advancements and industry trends. While definitions vary, I propose a new perspective.

The low-altitude economy is an integrated economic system built around low-altitude airspace, with the general aviation industry as its primary development platform. It encompasses both traditional general aviation like helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, and emerging aviation technologies (such as drones and electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs), using aerial operations as a driving force to foster cross-sector industrial integration.

Key aspects of this definition are reflected as follows: a) It is a civilian economic sector; b) It includes both traditional and emerging aviation (manned and unmanned aircraft); c) Aerial operations are at its core, and that flight capability is essential; d) It stimulates industrial integration, highlighting the value chain and development essence.

This definition not only encapsulates the core elements of the low-altitude economy but also underscores its inherently cross-disciplinary and integrative nature.

Based on this definition, we can summarize the low-altitude economy's development path from the following approaches.

First, improve efficiency through technological innovation and management optimization, such as optimizing airport layouts, streamlining approval processes and expanding applications in short-haul transport and emergency rescue.

Second, focus on scaling up the deployment of drones and eVTOLs in logistics, urban management and agricultural applications. Recently, China had made notable progress, including Meituan's drones completing over 400,000 deliveries and the successful test flight of an eVTOL "air taxi" between Shenzhen and Zhuhai in south China's Guangdong Province.

Lastly, policy and safety frameworks should always work as pillars. The release of the Interim Regulations on the Management of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Flights in 2024 established regulatory foundations for airspace classification, flight safety and commercial operations. Moving forward, ensuring safe and sustainable development must remain a top priority, preventing disorderly expansion and mitigating potential risks.

Goal-oriented expansion: Building a comprehensive ecosystem

The low-altitude economy must move beyond isolated applications toward full-scale integration. For example, drones can improve efficiency by more than 30 percent in precision agricultural operations and reduce labor costs by 50 percent in industrial inspections. Meanwhile, the integration of eVTOLs into urban transport networks will revolutionize urban mobility. In the future, it is essential to focus on expanding "low-altitude +" scenarios, including logistics, tourism and emergency response, forming a closed-loop ecosystem where technology, applications and industries reinforce each other.

Industry-academia-research collaboration

Collaboration across industry, academia and research institutions has already begun to take shape. Six universities have established low-altitude economy-related programs. Joint innovation platforms between universities and enterprises have emerged. A structured drone training system has been developed, covering professional, technical, and on-demand talent cultivation.

However, challenges remain, such as scattered resources, low commercialization rates, and weak systemic talent development. To address these issues, a more robust collaborative mechanism is needed. 

Firstly, enterprises should make clear their technical needs, while universities and research institutions conduct targeted research  to drive for demand-driven R&D. Secondly, dedicated industrial funds should be established to support key technology R&D and commercialization trials. Additionally, a "dual-track talent development" protocol shall be implemented to encourage bidirectional exchange between university faculty and industry experts, ensuring that education evolves in tandem with industry demands.

International cooperation in low-altitude economy

The development of the low-altitude economy cannot be separated from high-level international cooperation, which in turn supports China's pursuit of technological self-reliance and global influence.

China's advancements in drones and eVTOLs provide a strong foundation for international cooperation. Future efforts should accelerate mutual recognition of airworthiness standards between China, the U.S. and the EU, shortening the approval process for Chinese-made equipment in global markets.

Successful domestic cases should be shared internationally. For example, Nepal began deploying China's unmanned cargo drones in ​2024 for waste collection in the Himalayas, particularly around Mount Everest, demonstrating their global value in environmental protection and emergency response.

China shall also promote for the joint infrastructure development particularly with partner countries of the Belt and Road Initiative, including developing low-altitude air routes and intelligent dispatch systems. 

We can also encourage joint R&D between Chinese and foreign enterprises, and attract international investment in China's low-altitude economy pilot programs.

Conclusion: A long-term commitment to the 'patient economy'

The low-altitude economy is a "patient economy" – one that requires a long-term vision rather than short-term profit-seeking. A commitment to safety, innovation, and ecosystem development will be crucial. Through coordinated policy efforts, technological breakthroughs, ecosystem integration and international collaboration, China's low-altitude economy is set to become a driving force in the country's modernization while contributing valuable insights and solutions to the global industry.