Low-altitude economy nears commercial horizon

Shared challenges

From a global perspective, China's low-altitude economy has distinct advantages when dealing with challenges shared by the rest of the world.

European and US markets have deeper experience in general aviation and air traffic management, and are advancing eVTOL certification standards and urban air mobility pilot programs.

China's advantages lie in its complete manufacturing supply chain, strong policy coordination and ability to test emerging technologies through large-scale industrial applications.

At the same time, the global industry faces common hurdles, including high equipment and operating costs, concerns over noise and safety, and insufficient urban infrastructure.

So far, no country has achieved large-scale profitable commercial operations of manned eVTOL urban transportation. Advanced air mobility remains largely in the stage of pilot projects and scenario exploration worldwide.

For China, the gap between expectations and reality is becoming increasingly clear.

On the one hand, the country has established a regulatory foundation, developed strong manufacturing capabilities, attracted significant investment and created a large number of potential application scenarios.

On the other hand, many current projects remain limited to demonstration flights and localized pilot programs, with sustainable and replicable business models still under development.

Challenges including cross-regional airspace coordination, limited urban vertiport networks and strict safety requirements for heavy-lift operations continue to slow the transition from technological demonstration to commercial success.

Industry insiders believe the sector will develop in stages.

In the near term, industrial inspection, emergency rescue and high-value logistics are likely to become the first large-scale commercial applications, providing the foundation for future market expansion.

Passenger eVTOL services, while attracting significant attention, will require a longer period of testing, certification and infrastructure development before becoming a common mode of urban transportation.

The trillion-yuan market target represents a long-term vision rather than an immediate outcome, said analysts.

China's low-altitude economy has entered a new stage driven by technological progress, manufacturing expansion and scenario exploration.

But its next breakthrough will depend on whether regulation, infrastructure and business models can evolve at the same pace, they said.

lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn