China Is Making Sure Its Low-Altitude Economy is Ready for Takeoff

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Chinese policymakers are exploring the skies for innovative ways to stimulate economic growth

China is looking to the skies for future growth as it nurtures its nascent low-altitude economy with efforts to launch pilot programs for new aviation services.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country’s top economic planner, is to create a Low-Altitude Economy Department to oversee the sector as it takes off, according to Chen Zhijie, director of the State Key Laboratory of Air Traffic Management System and Technology.

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China is advancing its low-altitude economy by establishing a dedicated department and regulatory framework to promote aviation services, including eVTOL aircraft operations in six cities like Shenzhen.
The NDRC and ATCC are collaborating to manage areas such as airspace management and infrastructure, with local governments poised to drive growth in this sector.
This strategy aligns with China's expertise in drone development, aiming to enhance industries like transportation, logistics, and tourism, and is seen as a potential new GDP growth driver.

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Who’s Who

SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd.: SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd. is a leading Chinese aerial drone designer and manufacturer, recognized for its trailblazing role in the drone industry. The company's expertise has positioned China as a global leader in drone technology, enabling policymakers to leverage this experience to enhance other sectors such as delivery logistics and tourism within the emerging low-altitude economy.

ZeroG: ZeroG is an eVTOL manufacturer whose co-founder, Jia Siyuan, mentioned that the pilot programs will reflect broader reforms for low-altitude airspace. These reforms include delegating certain management functions to local governments, indicating a shift in how the low-altitude economy is managed and regulated to encourage growth and innovation in the sector.

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What Happened When

March 2024：: Premier Li Qiang highlighted the low-altitude economy as a strategic industry in the central government's work report during the "Two Sessions"

April 2024：: Jin Xiandong, director of the NDRC's policy research office, identified challenges and announced support for the low-altitude economy at a press conference

2024：: Multiple initiatives planned: launching pilot programs for new aviation services, creating NDRC Low-Altitude Economy Department, and ATCC launching eVTOL aircraft pilots in six cities

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