Low-altitude economy is emerging as a strategic new industry that promises to drive economic development through high technological content,concentrated innovative elements,and extensive supply chains.As attention increasingly shifts toward this sector,it represents a new engine for economic growth.In numerous regions,large-scale projects are being initiated starting from 2025.However,the pivotal question remains: how to strategically overcome challenges to further develop the low-altitude economy?

Recent developments reveal that the establishment of new organizations dedicated to this sector will provide robust policy support and guidance.Over recent years,interest in low-altitude economics has surged,leading to a flurry of relevant policy documents from both central and local governments.As the policy framework continues to develop,there are solid foundations for infrastructure and technological capabilities,setting the stage for a thriving low-altitude economy.

The development of the low-altitude economy is contingent upon various environmental and technological factors.Creating favorable conditions and overcoming technological hurdles are tasks requiring careful,progressive efforts.Thus,clarifying the technological characteristics of low-altitude economics and understanding its development patterns become urgent priorities that need to be addressed.

One fundamental prerequisite for the advancement of this sector is the opening up of airspace.Along with increased accessibility to airspace,a comprehensive low-altitude air traffic management and flying services system must be established.This technological backbone includes a range of components,from ground-based low-altitude monitoring platforms to airborne communication devices and data links that leverage modern mobile communications like 5G and emerging technologies such as satellite communications.

General aviation serves as the cornerstone of economic activities within the low-altitude economy,consisting primarily of traditional aviation applications and newer innovations such as drones,electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles,and flying cars.Among these,Urban Air Mobility (UAM) stands out as a promising application scenario for future low-altitude development.UAM seeks to utilize urban airspace effectively,capitalizing on advanced flying vehicles to alleviate the persistent issue of ground traffic congestion in cities.

When considering the environmental effects of noise and air pollution,future urban flying vehicles will increasingly be powered by alternative energy sources.To enhance operational efficiency and flight precision,many of these vehicles will likely be autonomously operated and digitally controlled.Therefore,advancements in artificial intelligence,new energy applications,and digital technologies will be integral to the evolution of the low-altitude economy.

Traditionally,general aviation has reached a level of maturity,but the new forms of aviation technology are still nascent,with necessary advancements lagging behind.For several applications,commercial viability remains uncertain until key technological breakthroughs occur.

One significant area poised for improvement is aviation power battery technology.The projected electrification of urban flying vehicles represents a viable pathway forward; however,crucial components such as cargo capacity and endurance require further enhancement.The battery systems must be lightweight and high-density to sustain commercial flight needs without compromising payload capabilities.Current battery technology has yet to meet these stringent requirements,necessitating further research endeavors.

Another critical bold step lies in flight control and autonomous flying technology.We have seen considerable success with current drone flight control technologies; however,adapting similar systems for carrying passengers and cargo in urban environments demands a leap forward.Just using existing flight control technology will not suffice; it necessitates the integration of artificial intelligence for autonomous flight—that is,enabling vehicles to fly per passenger intentions without human intervention.

Key questions arise in the domain of autonomous flight technology,including how artificial intelligence will interpret passenger intentions,the boundaries between human control and AI autonomy,and whether passengers themselves must undergo specialized training.Moreover,implications of allowing passengers to control their flights raise concerns regarding potential security risks,underscoring the need for a comprehensive framework to ensure safe and effective commercial operations of manned flight vehicles.

Furthermore,the establishment of low-altitude air traffic management technologies is foundational to developing a conducive environment for this burgeoning economy.Questions such as how to structure a data link between ground and air systems and whether to opt for various communication technologies like 5G,GPS,or satellite communications require thorough consideration.While individual communication technologies are mature,the real challenge lies in selecting the appropriate technical solutions and effectively integrating these systems.

Regions such as Sichuan,Anhui,and Hunan have begun making strides in low-altitude air traffic management and intelligent system development.However,a nationwide effort to build standards and harmonized technical solutions is necessary to ensure seamless low-altitude operations across all regions.

Another considerable area to address is civil aviation regulation and safety assurance.Identifying suitable airworthiness validation techniques and frameworks for regulating future urban air traffic presents substantial challenges to aviation authorities.China’s Civil Aviation Administration has actively explored these issues,collaborating closely with the aviation industry to establish unique airworthiness criteria and standards for eVTOLs.Initial steps taken include awarding the world’s first eVTOL type certificate to EH216-S by EHang in Guangzhou,followed by a similar certification for the V2000CG cargo version in Shanghai.Although progress comes with limitations,these achievements represent significant milestones in the regulatory landscape of low-altitude economics in China.