China's low-altitude economy takes flight across multiple industries

China's low-altitude economy takes flight across multiple industries
by Riko Seibo
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Oct 22, 2025

China's fast-growing low-altitude economy is emerging as a powerful driver of innovation and industrial transformation, fueling applications that range from emergency rescue and drone logistics to power line inspection and aerial tourism.

The expanding sector took center stage at the 2025 China Helicopter Development Forum, held during the 7th China (Tianjin) International Helicopter Expo and hosted by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) in Tianjin.

At a photovoltaic project in Gansu province, drones are now used to capture and analyze imagery, detecting damaged panels and heat anomalies with more than 95 percent accuracy. Their ability to perform in harsh weather conditions highlights how unmanned systems are reshaping conventional operations.

Low-altitude economy development has become a national priority. It was first introduced in the 2024 Government Work Report as a new growth engine alongside biomanufacturing and the commercial space sector. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee further charted plans to expand general aviation and low-altitude economic activity nationwide.

According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the industry's output is expected to reach 1.5 trillion yuan ($211.4 billion) by 2025 and more than double to 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035.

Provincial governments across China have also moved to integrate the sector into their strategic roadmaps. Hangzhou, in Zhejiang province, has listed low-altitude economy as one of its five frontier industries, while Wuhan in Hubei province plans to construct 1,000 drone hangars and a comprehensive management network by 2030.

Helicopters continue to play a central role in this emerging ecosystem. Gong Quan, general manager of China Flying Dragon General Aviation Co Ltd, said China-made helicopters have proven reliable in multiple scenarios and will remain pivotal to the sector's growth. Gong also underscored the importance of integrating manned and unmanned systems for complex missions such as search-and-rescue operations.

Electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) are another focus area, envisioned as key enablers of urban air mobility. Liu Wenqi, deputy chief designer at AVIC's China Helicopter Research and Development Institute, noted that eVTOLs combine environmental efficiency, safety, low noise, and affordability, offering significant potential for civilian and commercial use.

Industry experts are calling for closer collaboration among enterprises, research bodies, and regulators to accelerate infrastructure deployment and innovation ecosystems, turning the promise of the low-altitude economy into tangible productivity gains.