On October 14, in Wuhan, Hubei Province, a significant push towards developing the low-altitude economy was announced, aiming for a target of over 100 billion RMB in industry scale by 2027. This announcement was made by Cui Yonghong, the Deputy Director of the Hubei Provincial Development and Reform Commission, during the Hubei Low Altitude Economy Innovation and Development Conference.

The conference, themed “Navigating the New Blue Ocean of Low Altitude: Building a New High Ground for Development,” brought together academicians, experts, renowned manufacturing companies specializing in low-altitude economy, key research institutions, and representatives from various associations to share insights on the growth of this sector.

The low-altitude economy encompasses various industries, including the research and manufacturing of aircraft, the construction and operation of low-altitude flying infrastructure, and flight service support. Currently, Hubei has eight general airports that are certified or registered, with an additional 17 having received site approval. Preliminary statistics indicate that the province boasts over 2,600 companies related to the low-altitude economy, forming a nearly complete manufacturing supply chain in this field. The applications of low-altitude technology in Hubei span several sectors, including emergency rescue, medical assistance, agricultural protection, and urban governance.

Dong Zhiyi, a leading expert on low-altitude economy from the China Aeronautics Association, noted that a development window has opened for this industry, urging Hubei to make strategic advances. He recommended focusing on automation, electrification, and intelligence in technology to establish a research and development system centered around market demand. He emphasized the need to revitalize the traditional aircraft manufacturing advantage and promote new low-altitude equipment, like cargo drones, while fostering the growth of upstream industries like new materials and new energy through leading companies and assembled products.

As part of its strategic initiatives, Hubei has already implemented measures to enhance the ground takeoff and landing “infrastructure network,” build a low-altitude smart “information network,” designate low-altitude flight “airway networks,” and develop a low-altitude flight “service network.” The region is also focused on accelerating the construction of low-altitude infrastructure while creating three major manufacturing clusters: complete aircraft production, key component manufacturing, and system R&D, along with supplies of new materials.