Innovative application scenarios of 'low altitude economy+' bring new impetus to economic growth

Anyang, Henan Province, has launched unmanned aerial vehicle delivery, with a range of 15 kilometers and a load capacity of 4.5 kilograms, opening a new chapter in logistics; Qingdao Pingdu, plant protection drones assist in farmland management, saving time and effort; In Mount Huangshan, Anhui Province, UAVs have shouldered the heavy task of air material transportation, delivering the required materials to the top of the mountain... At present, low altitude economy based on traditional general aviation and new UAV industry is booming, and constantly exploring and expanding the diversified landing of "low altitude economy+" scenario applications.

Behind this, we cannot do without the increasingly complete industrial chain support.

According to data released by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the total number of drones in China increased by 48% in the first half of this year compared to the end of last year; Over 14000 drone companies hold valid certificates of operation for civil unmanned aerial vehicles; By 2025, the comprehensive contribution of the low altitude economy to China's national economy will reach 3 trillion to 5 trillion yuan.

It can be foreseen that the low altitude economy is changing our living landscape, and China's low altitude economy is accelerating its takeoff. How will the low altitude economy develop in the future? Industry experts told reporters that while the low altitude economy achieves its own development, "low altitude economy+" can also cultivate new business models, drive new industries, and bring new impetus to economic growth.

Xiang Jinwu, an academician of the CAE Member, said that low altitude economy, as a comprehensive economic form driven by a variety of low altitude flight activities and promoting the integrated development of related fields, has distinctive three-dimensional, regional, integrated and extensive characteristics. This economic form mainly relies on airspace below 1000 to 3000 meters, and is constructed through the collaborative construction of manned aerial vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and low altitude intelligent networking, with the general aviation industry as the main body and the unmanned aerial vehicle industry as the leading force, providing strong support for the comprehensive promotion of economic system construction. In terms of application scenarios, Xiang Jinwu believes that the application scenarios of "low altitude economy+" are very extensive. In fact, traditional mechanical tasks completed by manual operation can gradually be replaced by unmanned systems. These application scenarios can be mainly classified into three categories: first, production operations, second, public services, and finally, aviation consumption. It is worth emphasizing that the application of production operations has been deeply expanded, such as being widely adopted in the fields of agriculture, forestry, and plant protection; Public service applications are also becoming increasingly mature; Meanwhile, consumer applications are also accelerating their exploration.

"While the low altitude economy is booming, we must attach great importance to its security." Huang Qingqing, Vice President of the Internet Association of China, said that security, as the cornerstone of low altitude economic development, is decisive for achieving sustainable development.

Regarding this, Huang Chengqing put forward the following suggestions: firstly, safety is the foundation of sustainable development of low altitude economy, and it is necessary to strengthen the supervision of low altitude aircraft, ensure flight safety, and strictly prevent information leakage;

Secondly, regulatory construction is the key to the standardized development of low altitude economy, and the formulation and improvement of laws and regulations should be actively promoted; Furthermore, innovation and technological progress are crucial, and companies should be encouraged to increase their R&D investment, promote technological innovation, and pay attention to ethical and moral issues; Finally, industrial cooperation is an important way to achieve comprehensive development of the low altitude economy. It is necessary to promote exchanges and cooperation within and outside the industry, jointly address challenges, and promote the healthy development of the low altitude economy.

The Central Economic Work Conference has listed low altitude economy as one of the strategic emerging industries, and it has also been included in the 2024 government work report. At the same time, various regions are accelerating their layout to promote the development of low altitude economy. Taking Beijing as an example, it is reported that by 2027, the city will add more than 10 application scenarios around emergency rescue, logistics distribution, air shuttle, intercity commuting, and characteristic cultural tourism, and open more than 3 low altitude air routes for surrounding areas, basically building a networked infrastructure system and low altitude application ecology.

Su Shaolin, Secretary of the Party Group and Director of the Beijing Municipal Administration of Communications, stated that as a national strategic emerging industry, the development of low altitude economy is of great significance in shaping new driving forces for development and creating new engines for economic growth. It is also an inevitable requirement for building a modern industrial system and promoting high-quality development.

Su Shaolin introduced that Beijing is building an unmanned aerial vehicle demonstration zone in Yanqing Park, Zhongguancun, and researching low altitude economic industries in multiple areas. Low altitude economy covers logistics, transportation, cultural tourism, etc., promoting economic development and placing high demands on technologies such as integrated communication and perception. As a strategic, fundamental, and leading industry for economic and social development, the information and communication industry must undertake the important mission of seizing the opportunities of low altitude economy, achieving intensive innovation, and high-speed growth. He also revealed that by 2026, Beijing will build more than 20000 5G-A base stations, which will provide solid and powerful network services for the safe development of Beijing's low altitude economy.

As a strategic emerging industry, the development of low altitude economy also faces some challenges. Another expert believes that in order to strengthen the low altitude economy, it is necessary to increase the number of aircraft operations. Optimize airspace control, airworthiness certification, flight support, etc., enhance the safety and reliability of low altitude flight, and ensure the sustained, healthy, and stable development of low altitude economy.