China’s low-altitude economy spreads its wings as struggling locales look skyward
- From drones to public transport, the economic model has been elevated to new heights while regional governments vie for a piece of the pie in the sky
Gone are the days when local governments across China could trust in groundbreaking infrastructure and real estate projects to elevate their economies, so now many are turning their gaze upward – looking to the skies for opportunity.
These critical goals align with a national policy to foster “new quality productive forces”, particularly in science and technology, at a time when when traditional economic drivers have sputtered and stalled out.
The low-altitude economy is an integrated economic model that generally encompasses manned and unmanned activities within airspace below 1,000 metres (3,280 feet), but the range can be extended to 3,000 metres depending on regional and practical needs.
It encompasses the use of vertical take-off and landing aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for a range of low-altitude operations, including passenger transport, cargo delivery and other tasks, as well as a vast commercial ecosystem, encompassing infrastructure development and comprehensive support services, creating a significant industry chain.
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Shenzhen leads low-altitude economy with new helicopter service at railway station
Investment has been pouring into the sector as regional locales vie for the title of “Sky City”, sparking not only competition but also cooperation between regions.
