BEIJING: China’s low-altitude economy, seen as a strategic emerging sector crucial for developing new quality productive forces, is gaining momentum in Hainan province. Leveraging its tropical geography, multiple application scenarios for low-altitude aircraft, and the advantages of the Hainan Free Trade Port, the island aims to become a major hub for innovation and expansion in this field.
The local government announced plans to intensify efforts to promote the low-altitude economy by attracting more enterprises and expanding business formats. So far this year, Hainan has launched 36 projects with a combined investment of 29.4 billion yuan (approximately US$4 billion), covering the entire value chain from aircraft research and development to smart logistics and high-end tourism.
Jiang Hong, Deputy Director of the Hainan Provincial Development and Reform Commission, said that a three-year development plan (2024–2026) has been issued to support the sector’s growth. Additional policies are also being prepared to further accelerate development.
At the recent China International Consumer Products Expo 2025, eight cooperation agreements related to the low-altitude sector were signed. These included projects such as the construction of a heavy-duty unmanned helicopter assembly line in Wenchang and a marine drone maintenance and support base in Ledong.
The sector’s expansion is being driven by a combination of favourable local policies and national initiatives. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has established a dedicated low-altitude department responsible for formulating and implementing strategies for the sector’s growth. Zheng Shanjie, head of the NDRC, recently chaired a special meeting, highlighting plans to integrate low-altitude economic development into the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030).
According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the market size of the country’s low-altitude economy is projected to reach 1.5 trillion yuan in 2025, with forecasts suggesting it could grow to 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035.
— China Daily/ANN
