At the end of December 2025, recommendations for China's 15th Five-Year Plan (20262030) landed, shining a spotlight on the "low-altitude economy" 🚁. Xie Wentao, chief tech expert at Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), says this could turbocharge drones, eVTOLs and digital airspace platforms.
What exactly is the low-altitude economy? Picture the skies below 3,000 meters buzzing with delivery drones zipping snacks across cities, aerial taxis skipping traffic jams, and smart sensors mapping farmland from above. It's where aviation meets digital tech to unlock faster, greener services.
Xie highlights two strategic thrusts: boosting airborne system innovation—think homegrown chips, AI-driven autopilots and eco-friendly power systems—and pushing integrated industrial development that links manufacturers, software developers, regulators and service providers into one seamless ecosystem.
For young pros across South and Southeast Asia, this is huge. Imagine ordering dinner in Jakarta via drone, or bypassing Bangkok's gridlock with an eVTOL ride. Beyond convenience, low-altitude tech can deliver vaccines to remote islands and cut carbon emissions by easing road congestion.
Challenges remain—from smart airspace rules to operator training and data security—but with strong policy support and a vibrant startup scene, the low-altitude economy is ready for takeoff. Buckle up for the next era of flight! 🛩️
Reference(s):
China's low-altitude economy gets a strategic boost under new FYP
cgtn.com
