Expert Analyzes China's Strategy for Developing a Low-Altitude Economy
Expert analyzes the development trajectory of China's low-altitude economy.
TroibNews 
**Editor's note:** Dong Zhiyi is the former deputy director of the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the chief expert on the low-altitude economy at the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics. This article, originally in Chinese, has been translated here and reflects the author's opinions rather than necessarily the views of CN.
The low-altitude economy, as a strategic emerging industry, is dynamically reshaping modern industrial structures like never before.
The year 2024 is anticipated to be the "Year One of the Low-Altitude Economy," where a convergence of policies, technology, capital, and market forces aims to propel the sector toward high-quality development.
In Premier Li Qiang's government work report delivered during this year's Two Sessions, the emphasis on "promoting the safe and sound development of ... the low-altitude economy, and other emerging industries" underscores the continuing importance of this concept, marking its inclusion for the second consecutive year.
As a representative of new productive forces, how can the low-altitude economy overcome existing obstacles? Systematic strategic thinking and innovative practices are essential for its developmental trajectory, ecosystem construction, and international cooperation.
**Development Pathway: Integration and Expansion**
The low-altitude economy is a concept unique to China, defined in light of technological advances and industry trends. While interpretations may vary, I offer a fresh perspective.
The low-altitude economy represents an integrated economic system centering on low-altitude airspace, with the general aviation sector as its primary development platform. This includes traditional general aviation—such as helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft—as well as emerging aviation technologies, leveraging aerial operations to stimulate cross-sector industrial integration.
Key elements of this definition include: a) it is a civilian economic sector; b) it entails both traditional and innovative aviation; c) aerial operations are central, underlining the necessity of flight capability; d) it encourages industrial integration while highlighting the value chain and development essence.
This definition encapsulates the core attributes of the low-altitude economy and emphasizes its inherently integrative and cross-disciplinary nature.
From this foundation, we can outline the low-altitude economy's development approach as follows:
1. Enhance efficiency through technological innovation and management optimization—by refining airport layouts, streamlining approval procedures, and expanding short-haul transport and emergency rescue applications.
2. Prioritize the wider deployment of drones and eVTOLs in logistics, urban management, and agricultural domains. Notable progress has been made recently, such as Meituan's drones completing over 400,000 deliveries and the successful test of an eVTOL "air taxi" between Shenzhen and Zhuhai in Guangdong Province.
3. Establish policy and safety frameworks as essential pillars. The introduction of the Interim Regulations on the Management of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Flights in 2024 lays regulatory groundwork for airspace classification, flight safety, and commercial operations. Moving forward, the focus should remain on ensuring safe and sustainable development to avoid disorderly expansion and mitigate potential risks.
**Goal-Oriented Expansion: Building a Comprehensive Ecosystem**
The low-altitude economy must evolve from isolated applications to a fully integrated system. Drones can enhance efficiency by over 30% in precision agriculture and cut labor costs by 50% in industrial inspections. Moreover, the integration of eVTOLs into urban transport will transform urban mobility. Future efforts should concentrate on broadening "low-altitude +" scenarios—encompassing logistics, tourism, and emergency response—to create a cohesive ecosystem where technology, applications, and industries mutually reinforce one another.
**Industry-Academia-Research Collaboration**
Collaboration across industry, academia, and research institutions is already taking shape, with six universities implementing low-altitude economy-related programs. Joint innovation platforms between educational institutions and enterprises are emerging, alongside a structured drone training system that covers professional, technical, and on-demand talent development.
Yet challenges persist, including fragmented resources, low rates of commercialization, and insufficient systemic talent development. Addressing these issues requires a stronger collaborative framework.
First, enterprises should clearly define their technical needs while universities and research institutions focus on targeted research to drive demand-driven R&D. Second, dedicated funds should be established to support key technology research and commercialization trials. Moreover, implementing a "dual-track talent development" protocol will foster a bidirectional exchange between university faculty and industry experts—ensuring that education aligns with industry demands.
**International Cooperation in the Low-Altitude Economy**
The low-altitude economy's development is intrinsically linked to high-level international cooperation, which supports China's ambitions for technological self-reliance and global influence.
China's progress in drones and eVTOLs provides a solid foundation for international collaboration. Future initiatives should aim to accelerate the mutual recognition of airworthiness standards between China, the U.S., and the EU, thereby shortening the approval process for Chinese-made products in international markets.
Domestic success stories should be promoted globally. For instance, Nepal's deployment of China's unmanned cargo drones in 2024 for waste collection in the Himalayas—especially around Mount Everest—highlights their international significance in environmental protection and emergency response.
China should also catalyze joint infrastructure development with Belt and Road Initiative partner countries, including the establishment of low-altitude air routes and intelligent dispatch systems.
Additionally, encouraging joint R&D between Chinese and international enterprises, along with attracting foreign investments in China's low-altitude economy pilot programs, is vital.
**Conclusion: A Long-Term Commitment to the 'Patient Economy'**
The low-altitude economy exemplifies a "patient economy," requiring foresight rather than short-term profit-seeking. A dedication to safety, innovation, and ecosystem development will be pivotal. Through coordinated policy initiatives, technological advancements, ecosystem integration, and international collaboration, China's low-altitude economy is poised to become a key driver of modernization in the country, while delivering valuable insights and solutions to the global industry.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
The low-altitude economy, as a strategic emerging industry, is dynamically reshaping modern industrial structures like never before.
The year 2024 is anticipated to be the "Year One of the Low-Altitude Economy," where a convergence of policies, technology, capital, and market forces aims to propel the sector toward high-quality development.
In Premier Li Qiang's government work report delivered during this year's Two Sessions, the emphasis on "promoting the safe and sound development of ... the low-altitude economy, and other emerging industries" underscores the continuing importance of this concept, marking its inclusion for the second consecutive year.
As a representative of new productive forces, how can the low-altitude economy overcome existing obstacles? Systematic strategic thinking and innovative practices are essential for its developmental trajectory, ecosystem construction, and international cooperation.
**Development Pathway: Integration and Expansion**
The low-altitude economy is a concept unique to China, defined in light of technological advances and industry trends. While interpretations may vary, I offer a fresh perspective.
The low-altitude economy represents an integrated economic system centering on low-altitude airspace, with the general aviation sector as its primary development platform. This includes traditional general aviation—such as helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft—as well as emerging aviation technologies, leveraging aerial operations to stimulate cross-sector industrial integration.
Key elements of this definition include: a) it is a civilian economic sector; b) it entails both traditional and innovative aviation; c) aerial operations are central, underlining the necessity of flight capability; d) it encourages industrial integration while highlighting the value chain and development essence.
This definition encapsulates the core attributes of the low-altitude economy and emphasizes its inherently integrative and cross-disciplinary nature.
From this foundation, we can outline the low-altitude economy's development approach as follows:
1. Enhance efficiency through technological innovation and management optimization—by refining airport layouts, streamlining approval procedures, and expanding short-haul transport and emergency rescue applications.
2. Prioritize the wider deployment of drones and eVTOLs in logistics, urban management, and agricultural domains. Notable progress has been made recently, such as Meituan's drones completing over 400,000 deliveries and the successful test of an eVTOL "air taxi" between Shenzhen and Zhuhai in Guangdong Province.
3. Establish policy and safety frameworks as essential pillars. The introduction of the Interim Regulations on the Management of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Flights in 2024 lays regulatory groundwork for airspace classification, flight safety, and commercial operations. Moving forward, the focus should remain on ensuring safe and sustainable development to avoid disorderly expansion and mitigate potential risks.
**Goal-Oriented Expansion: Building a Comprehensive Ecosystem**
The low-altitude economy must evolve from isolated applications to a fully integrated system. Drones can enhance efficiency by over 30% in precision agriculture and cut labor costs by 50% in industrial inspections. Moreover, the integration of eVTOLs into urban transport will transform urban mobility. Future efforts should concentrate on broadening "low-altitude +" scenarios—encompassing logistics, tourism, and emergency response—to create a cohesive ecosystem where technology, applications, and industries mutually reinforce one another.
**Industry-Academia-Research Collaboration**
Collaboration across industry, academia, and research institutions is already taking shape, with six universities implementing low-altitude economy-related programs. Joint innovation platforms between educational institutions and enterprises are emerging, alongside a structured drone training system that covers professional, technical, and on-demand talent development.
Yet challenges persist, including fragmented resources, low rates of commercialization, and insufficient systemic talent development. Addressing these issues requires a stronger collaborative framework.
First, enterprises should clearly define their technical needs while universities and research institutions focus on targeted research to drive demand-driven R&D. Second, dedicated funds should be established to support key technology research and commercialization trials. Moreover, implementing a "dual-track talent development" protocol will foster a bidirectional exchange between university faculty and industry experts—ensuring that education aligns with industry demands.
**International Cooperation in the Low-Altitude Economy**
The low-altitude economy's development is intrinsically linked to high-level international cooperation, which supports China's ambitions for technological self-reliance and global influence.
China's progress in drones and eVTOLs provides a solid foundation for international collaboration. Future initiatives should aim to accelerate the mutual recognition of airworthiness standards between China, the U.S., and the EU, thereby shortening the approval process for Chinese-made products in international markets.
Domestic success stories should be promoted globally. For instance, Nepal's deployment of China's unmanned cargo drones in 2024 for waste collection in the Himalayas—especially around Mount Everest—highlights their international significance in environmental protection and emergency response.
China should also catalyze joint infrastructure development with Belt and Road Initiative partner countries, including the establishment of low-altitude air routes and intelligent dispatch systems.
Additionally, encouraging joint R&D between Chinese and international enterprises, along with attracting foreign investments in China's low-altitude economy pilot programs, is vital.
**Conclusion: A Long-Term Commitment to the 'Patient Economy'**
The low-altitude economy exemplifies a "patient economy," requiring foresight rather than short-term profit-seeking. A dedication to safety, innovation, and ecosystem development will be pivotal. Through coordinated policy initiatives, technological advancements, ecosystem integration, and international collaboration, China's low-altitude economy is poised to become a key driver of modernization in the country, while delivering valuable insights and solutions to the global industry.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
