The low altitude economy has a long industrial chain and wide coverage, covering multiple important areas such as aircraft research and development, construction and operation of low altitude infrastructure, and flight service support. Its role in promoting the national economy is significant. In 2024, the low altitude economy will be included in the Government Work Report, marking its importance as an emerging industry. In 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and four other departments jointly issued the "Implementation Plan for Innovative Applications of General Aviation Equipment (2024-2030)", proposing to establish a new development model for the general aviation industry characterized by high-end, intelligent, and green features by 2030. Driven by market demand and policy support, the low altitude economy industry has rapidly developed and innovative products have emerged frequently. The landing and application of products are accelerating, and the scale of the low altitude economy market is rapidly growing.
However, as an emerging industry, the low altitude economy is still in its infancy, and relevant laws and regulations have not been fully established, resulting in insufficient development of low altitude airspace; The construction of infrastructure such as communication base stations, flight service stations, and general aviation airports needs to be strengthened; Insufficient research and development capabilities for low altitude core components and key materials; Consumers have limited acceptance of low altitude economic services. Therefore, it is recommended to:
Accelerate the reform of low altitude airspace management. Relevant departments of the country are strengthening top-level design, deepening the reform of low altitude airspace management, innovating the coordination and management mechanism for low altitude flights, and intensifying measures in low altitude airspace assessment, refined planning and design, authorization of low-risk areas, and integrated operation of manned/unmanned aerial vehicles. Efforts are being made to accelerate the construction and improvement of urban low altitude air traffic control systems.
Accelerate the high-quality construction and operation of low altitude infrastructure. Relevant government departments should collaborate with air traffic management agencies and civil aviation management departments to accelerate the planning, construction, and operation management of infrastructure such as low altitude flight communication, navigation, and meteorological monitoring. A high-quality low altitude flight digital management service system should be built, and the platform systems of air traffic management agencies and civil aviation management departments should be strengthened for integration.
Strengthen industrial support and technological breakthroughs. According to the characteristics and needs of the development of the low altitude economy industry, government departments should increase industrial support and services, leverage the guiding role of fiscal funds, and encourage financial institutions to increase their support for the low altitude economy industry. Strengthen the national strategic scientific and technological strength, enhance original leading scientific and technological research, focus on tackling high-energy density batteries, lightweight materials, intelligent sensing and obstacle avoidance technologies, etc., and develop unmanned aerial vehicles with long endurance, large payload, high safety, and intelligence.
Strengthen the cultivation of the application market. We actively advocate for enterprises to explore new models and formats of low altitude economy in key areas such as logistics, tourism, agriculture, and emergency rescue, covering low altitude passenger routes within and between cities, efficient air commuting services, precise agricultural and forestry plant protection operations, and extensive drone inspection applications. By organizing exhibitions, high-end forums, and other activities related to low altitude economy, we vividly demonstrate the application effectiveness and broad development blueprint of low altitude economy, and enhance public awareness and acceptance.
