The global market size of the low-altitude economy is expected to reach 4 trillion within the next 5 years. What is the future of urban low-altitude economy? [New Energy Summit]

At the 2025 (10th) New Energy Industry Expo - Low-Altitude Economy Forum hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd., Congxi Chen, Director of the Low-Altitude Economy Committee of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of China and researcher, introduced the topic of "Solutions for Urban Low-Altitude Economic Development." The current status of low-altitude economic development both domestically and overseas was discussed. The global low-altitude economy market is still in its early stages of cultivation. With the increasing maturity of related technologies, the gradual advancement of regulatory measures, and the continuous emergence of mature application scenarios, its future prospects are very promising. It is predicted that within the next five years, the market size is expected to reach 4 trillion yuan. (Data source: Qianzhan Research Institute) Domestic low-altitude economic policies, particularly in Anhui province, were highlighted. The "Implementation Plan for Accelerating the Development of Low-Altitude Economy in Anhui Province (2024-2027) and Several Measures" (April 2024, NDRC) outlines development goals. By 2025, low-altitude infrastructure construction will be accelerated, and a number of application demonstration scenarios will be established. By 2027, low-altitude infrastructure will be further improved, application scenarios will continue to expand, and the scale and innovation capability of the low-altitude economy will reach a leading level nationwide. Hefei and Wuhu will be developed as core cities for the low-altitude economy, leveraging the supporting advantages of low-altitude manufacturing in cities like Lu'an, Chuzhou, and Ma'anshan, and highlighting the characteristics of low-altitude services in cities like Anqing and Xuancheng. The development tasks include: 1) Coordinated construction of low-altitude intelligent infrastructure, 2) Enhancing low-altitude technological innovation leadership, 3) Promoting the cluster development of low-altitude manufacturing, 4) Driving the development of low-altitude services through application traction, 5) Improving low-altitude flight support levels, and 6) Creating an ecosystem for low-altitude economic development. The current issues in domestic low-altitude economic development were analyzed, including: 1) Incomplete policy and legal systems, 2) Unclear management functions and enforcement rights for different types and levels of airspace, 3) Lack of top-level design tailored to local conditions, 4) Insufficient and uneven low-altitude infrastructure construction, 5) Technological bottlenecks and insufficient innovation, and 6) Insufficient market demand and limited application scenarios. The path for urban low-altitude economic development follows a "six-step strategy": Step-1: Prioritize top-level design and development planning, Step-2: Conduct airspace surveys and capacity assessments, Step-3: Construct low-altitude infrastructure, Step-4: Ensure low-altitude navigation services, Step-5: Attract and cluster low-altitude industries, and Step-6: Vigorously cultivate regional low-altitude consumption. Key considerations for urban low-altitude economic development principles were also discussed. Click to view the special report on the 2025 (10th) New Energy Industry Expo.