Low-altitude economy poised for takeoff

By 2030, China aims to establish a new model for the development of the general aviation industry characterized by high-end, intelligent and green features. This model will support and ensure the safe and efficient operation of various networks, including passenger transportation, drone delivery and low-altitude production operations, thus fueling low-altitude economic growth and forming a trillion-yuan-level market scale.

China will also support the development of smart air mobility equipment, such as eVTOL, to meet the evolving needs of consumers, the plan said.

As an active participant in this new economy, XPeng Aeroht said it aims to facilitate urban low-altitude commuting and sightseeing, contributing valuable insights for the future of three-dimensional urban transportation.

On June 1, the construction of a tourism town featuring low-altitude economy began in Jiangmen, a city in Guangdong province, and the project signed a procurement agreement with XPeng Aeroht for 100 Land Aircraft Carriers.

The preorders were secured with advance payment, marking a significant step in integrating flying cars into the low-altitude tourism sector.

Founded in 2013, XPeng Aeroht has grown into Asia's largest flying car company and an integral part of XPeng Motors' ecosystem. The company aims to integrate intelligent automotive and modern aviation technologies to create the safest electric flying cars for personal use.

With its research and development center and flight test base located in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, and advanced flying car laboratories in Shenzhen and Shanghai, XPeng Aeroht is at the forefront of the eVTOL industry. The company has developed six generations of eVTOL vehicles, completing over 15,000 test flights.

The market scale of China's low-altitude economy, which is regarded as a strategic emerging industry, reached 505.95 billion yuan in 2023, up 33.8 percent year-on-year, and is expected to surpass 1 trillion yuan in 2026, according to a new report by market research firm CCID Consulting.

Revenues from eVTOL aircraft rose 77.3 percent year-on-year to 980 million yuan last year, the report said. This segment is poised to see wider commercial application in fields like aerial sightseeing and tourism in 2024.

The report estimates that the eVTOL industry will maintain rapid growth in the next few years, with the market scale hitting 9.5 billion yuan in 2026, fueled by the speedy issuance of airworthiness certifications by authorities.

Industry-level drones are finding applications in a wide range of fields, such as emergency rescue work, power line patrolling, farming, and surveillance and security operations, it added.

"A decade ago, the consumer drone industry boomed. Today, industrial drones are on the rise. In 10 years, the aviation-grade drone market will inevitably explode," said Tian Gangyin, founder, chairman and president of the Chinese unmanned aerial vehicle developer, United Aircraft.

The company debuted its Q100 agricultural drone at an exhibition in Shenzhen in May. It boasts a maximum spray load of 50 kilograms, and is capable of covering 400 mu (26.7 hectares) in an hour. It can effectively guard against pesticide corrosion, can be washed entirely, and offers greater efficiency and convenience. Its intelligent route planning and one-click autonomous operation make it a formidable asset in spraying pesticide, transportation, and aerial surveying, United Aircraft said.

The agility, efficiency, safety, and risk reduction features of drones have seen extensive application in emergency rescue and firefighting, Tian said.

The TD550 all-scenario emergency firefighting drone helicopter, showcased by United Aircraft, demonstrates large load capacity, long endurance, multifunctionality, high speed, and precise hovering in firefighting, material delivery, and emergency communication support.

The company has also developed the TD220 power-type drone, designed specifically for the power industry. With integrated advanced sensors and autonomous flight control systems, the drone can adapt to complex grid environments, performing efficient inspections and maintenance, significantly improving the management efficiency and safety of power facilities, United Aircraft said.

"To advance the low-altitude economy, infrastructure needs to come first," Tian said, adding that more efforts are needed to accelerate the construction of infrastructure, such as takeoff and landing facilities for drones in cities.