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As drone technology and urbanization rapidly advance, the concept of “low-altitude economy”, primarily driven by Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), has gained widespread attention. The term "low-altitude economy" refers to a range of economic activities conducted within airspace below 3,000 meters, focusing on aviation transportation and operational equipment. It relies on low-altitude flight, including drones, flying cars, air taxis, and other forms of low-altitude aircraft, along with related infrastructure, services, and management systems. According to PwC report, the global drone market is projected to reach US$127 billion by 2030, highlighting the immense potential of the low-altitude economy.
Many countries have embarked on the development of the low-altitude economy. In July 2024, a well-known logistics firm successfully launched its first low-altitude drone delivery in Hefei, Anhui Province, China, making a significant milestone in drone-based logistics. Concurrently, various companies and nations are also developing AAM, exploring flying cars, air taxis, testing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and actively planning low-altitude transportation networks. These examples underscore the considerable interest countries are investing in the potential of the low-altitude economy. But what prerequisites, technologies, and supportive measures are essential for the growth of this economy?
Three Key Aspects of the Low-Altitude Economy: Talent, Regulations, and Infrastructure
A comprehensive and successful development plan for the low-altitude economy requires close collaboration across various domains:
Talent Development
A well-trained, skilled drone operator is indispensable for the operation of drones, flying cars, and air taxis. Even automated drones require technicians for regular maintenance and repair. Additionally, air traffic management personnel also play a crucial role in controlling and managing daily air traffic operations, ensuring smooth operations and accident prevention.
Regulations
A robust low-altitude flight management system is required for the seamless operation of different types of low-altitude aircraft. This system encompasses rules and regulatory frameworks that address flight zone boundaries, altitude limits, aviation safety, privacy concerns, and insurance mandates to align with the evolving low-altitude economy.
Infrastructure
The surge of AAM requires corresponding software and hardware infrastructure systems and supporting facilities, including high-speed data transmission systems, global navigation satellite systems, heliports, networks, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, big data platforms, cybersecurity solutions, and more. It is crucial that these systems can seamlessly integrate with existing systems, such as air traffic management systems.
Reshaping Consumer Experience, Logistics Efficiency, and Public Safety
With the active development of new aircraft around the globe and the gradual expansion of application scenarios with low-altitude economies, many countries aim to achieve integration across various industries. The broad application scenario brings prospects to multiple industries and enhances convenience in the daily lives of the general public.
The application scenarios of the low-altitude economy can be categorized into consumer, public domain, and transportation and logistics domains, possessing a wide range of use cases.
Applications for Consumer
As drone technology continues to evolve, supported by stable flight control systems and high-definition image transmission, applications have expanded beyond aviation sports, low-altitude sightseeing, and private flying to areas such as aerial photography and drone performances. These emerging applications are paving the way for innovative tourism, entertainment, and educational experiences, thereby generating new business opportunities.
Applications for Transportation and Logistics
For the transportation and logistics industry, drone delivery, emergency supply transportation, and eVTOL transportation services are the most common applications. Leveraging automatic obstacle avoidance systems, precise location technology, artificial intelligence, and big data analysis, delivery efficiency can be improved while reducing operational costs. A global e-commerce giant has already begun testing drone delivery services, successfully conducting commercial drone deliveries in various cities.
Application for public domain
The low-altitude economy can significantly enhance the capabilities and efficiency of public services. Drones, equipped with thermal imaging technology, adverse weather resistance, 3D mapping, and building inspection capabilities, can be utilized in emergency search and rescue, remote sensing and mapping, firefighting, disaster site reconnaissance, and urban planning. This utilization enhances rescue efficiency, reduces risks for rescuers, improves urban planning effectiveness, and optimizes resource allocation.
These application scenarios demonstrate the multifaceted benefits of the low-altitude economy, not only reducing operational costs for businesses and creating new business models but also driving technological innovation, creating job opportunities, and benefiting both commercial development and the general public.
Partnering with CITIC Telecom CPC to Explore Innovative Opportunities
Leveraging global ICT resources, robust infrastructure, extensive expertise and visionary innovation, CITIC Telecom CPC and its team of data science, innovation and applications continually develop pioneering technologies and solutions to drive digital innovation across industries. Upholding our motto “Innovation Never Stops”, we are committed to breaking technological boundaries, integrating "Cloud, Network, Data, and Security" with innovative “AI+” capabilities to drive digital transformation. Partner with us to embrace the low-altitude economy and unlock endless possibilities!
For inquiries regarding our ICT solutions and innovation capabilities, please feel free to consult our team of experts.
