Low-altitude economy nears commercial horizon

Streamlining deliveries

Shenzhen provides a glimpse of how low-altitude logistics could develop in large cities.

Hu said the city handles about 12.5 million express delivery orders every day, creating different levels of logistics demand.

While around 10 million routine low-value deliveries are better suited to traditional ground transportation, about 2.5 million time-sensitive orders, such as same-day and hourly deliveries, could potentially benefit from drone-based transportation.

These high-value logistics demands are concentrated in areas such as Shenzhen's Nanshan technology hub, Futian financial district and Luohu commercial center, offering potential opportunities for small and medium-sized logistics drones.

Hu said large-scale commercialization of low-altitude logistics would require three key foundations.

First, cities need intelligent networked management systems capable of monitoring and scheduling flights in real time.

Second, supporting infrastructure, including vertiports and takeoff and landing facilities, must be established across urban and suburban areas.

Third, communication, navigation and safety monitoring systems need to be widely deployed to ensure that flights remain traceable and controllable.

The shortage of such supporting infrastructure remains one of the biggest obstacles preventing the industry from reaching its full potential.