Key Application Areas of the Six Industrial Chain Sectors in Low-Altitude Economy Aircraft Manufacturing Sector
The six industrial chain sectors drive the Low-Altitude Economy by creating a connected system for research, manufacturing, infrastructure, operations, air traffic management, and support. Cities such as Hefei show how sector integration can build strong ecosystems.
Over 300 companies work together, combining knowledge and technology to solve urban problems and support sustainable growth.
Drones and eVTOLs improve efficiency in agriculture and industry, lower costs, and expand services in logistics and emergency response.
Electric aircraft help reduce carbon emissions and urban congestion, supporting cleaner and quieter cities.
Key Takeaways
The Low-Altitude Economy connects six industrial sectors, enhancing urban life and supporting sustainable growth.
eVTOLs and drones improve efficiency in transportation, agriculture, and emergency services, making cities cleaner and safer.
Strong infrastructure, like vertiports and drone pads, is essential for safe low-altitude flight and quick service delivery.
Air traffic management ensures safety and efficiency, allowing multiple aircraft to operate without accidents.
The projected economic value of the Low-Altitude Economy could reach $1 trillion by 2040, creating new jobs and services.
Aircraft Manufacturing
Application Areas
Aircraft manufacturing forms the backbone of the Low-Altitude Economy. Companies focus on research and development of electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, light helicopters, and specialized drones. These vehicles serve many roles. eVTOLs help with urban commuting. Light helicopters support short-haul passenger transport. Specialized drones work in logistics, agriculture, and industrial inspection. Manufacturers design these aircraft to meet the needs of cities and rural areas. They help move people and goods quickly and safely.
eVTOLs offer a new way to travel above city streets.
Light helicopters provide flexible transport for passengers and cargo.
Drones handle tasks like crop spraying, package delivery, and equipment inspection.
Industry Examples
Many companies lead the way in this sector. They build air taxis, cargo drones, and plant protection drones. These products show the real-world value of aircraft manufacturing.
The eVTOL aircraft market reached USD 13.9 billion in 2024.
Experts expect the market to grow to USD 37.0 billion by 2033, with an annual growth rate of 11.4%.
Air taxis can cut travel time in cities. For example, airport transfers in Hong Kong dropped from 30 minutes to just 10 minutes.
Cargo drones help companies like JD.com in Shenzhen deliver goods faster and at lower costs.
In Guangzhou, drones deliver medical supplies to remote areas, making a big difference during emergencies.
Sector Impact
Aircraft manufacturing drives the Low-Altitude Economy forward. It creates new jobs and supports innovation. Urban Air Mobility technologies, such as air taxis and cargo drones, are becoming key parts of city life. These vehicles help reduce traffic and make transportation more efficient. The sector also supports agriculture and industry by offering new tools for inspection and delivery. As more cities adopt these solutions, the Low-Altitude Economy will continue to grow and improve daily life.
Infrastructure
Key Facilities
Infrastructure forms the foundation for safe and reliable low-altitude flight. Key facilities include vertiports, which serve as take-off and landing sites for eVTOL aircraft. Drone pads provide similar functions for smaller drones. Charging stations and hydrogen refueling points keep electric aircraft ready for use. Maintenance centers help keep all vehicles in top condition. These facilities appear in both cities and rural areas.
Tip: Vertiports often include passenger lounges, security checks, and weather monitoring systems to support smooth operations.
Support for Low-Altitude Economy
Strong infrastructure supports the growth of the Low-Altitude Economy. Vertiports and drone pads allow for quick and safe movement of people and goods. Charging and refueling stations reduce downtime for aircraft. Maintenance centers ensure that every vehicle meets safety standards. These facilities help companies offer reliable services, such as air taxis, cargo delivery, and emergency response.
Vertiports connect city centers with airports and business districts.
Drone pads support fast package delivery in neighborhoods.
Maintenance centers train technicians and store spare parts.
Industry Role
Infrastructure plays a key role in shaping the future of low-altitude flight. It enables companies to expand their services and reach more customers. Well-placed facilities help reduce travel time and improve safety. The industry continues to invest in new technologies, such as automated charging systems and smart maintenance tools. These improvements make low-altitude transportation more efficient and accessible for everyone.
Operation & Service
Management Functions
Operation and service providers manage many important tasks in the aircraft sector. They help build strong supply chains for low-altitude aircraft. They also create new places for innovation and improve ground services. Advanced technology helps them make flight operations safer and more efficient. The table below shows the main management functions in this sector.
Management Function | Description |
|---|---|
Industrial Development | Establishing an end-to-end supply chain for low-altitude aircraft, including design and operational services. |
Infrastructure Enhancement | Creating innovation hubs and essential ground-service infrastructure to support flight operations. |
Technological Integration | Utilizing advanced technologies to streamline operations and enhance air traffic regulation. |
User Services
Companies in this sector offer many services to users. They provide booking platforms for air taxis and drones. These platforms help people travel quickly in cities or get goods delivered to their homes. Some companies offer custom drone services for businesses. For example, they help farmers spray crops or let factories inspect equipment from the air. Maintenance teams keep aircraft safe and ready to fly. Training programs teach pilots and drone operators how to use new technology.
Note: User services make low-altitude travel easy and safe for everyone. They also help businesses save time and money.
Low-Altitude Economy Applications
Operation and service providers play a big role in the Low-Altitude Economy. They work with tourism groups to create new sightseeing experiences. EHang and Guizhou Tourism Group use pilotless aircraft to show visitors beautiful views in Guizhou. EHang also works with local governments to build better infrastructure for low-altitude flights. These efforts attract more tourists and help cities grow.
EHang and Guizhou Tourism Group improve tourism with aerial services.
EHang partners with local governments to support low-altitude operations.
Pilotless aircraft offer new sightseeing opportunities in scenic areas.
Air Traffic Management & Communication
Safety Systems
Air traffic management uses advanced safety systems to protect people and aircraft. These systems help control the flow of air traffic and prevent accidents. They also give alerts when something is not safe. The main safety systems include:
The air traffic control (ATC) system stops aircraft from colliding.
ATC keeps air traffic moving in an orderly and efficient way.
Safety alerts altimeter sensor warn pilots if their aircraft gets too close to the ground or another aircraft.
Traffic alerts tell pilots when another aircraft is at a dangerous altitude.
These tools help pilots and operators make quick decisions. They keep the skies safe for everyone.
Communication Networks
Communication networks play a key role in low-altitude flight. Low-Altitude Wireless Networks (LAWN) support drones, eVTOLs, and other aircraft. These networks give fast and reliable connections. They allow real-time coordination between pilots, drones, and control centers. LAWN also uses sensors to check the environment and help with safe flying. The network combines communication, sensing, and control. This makes it possible for many aircraft to fly together safely and complete their missions.
Note: Real-time data sharing helps prevent accidents and improves teamwork in the air.
Role in Low-Altitude Economy
Air traffic management and communication systems support the growth of the Low-Altitude Economy. They make sure that aircraft can fly safely in busy city skies and rural areas. These systems help companies run air taxis, cargo drones, and emergency services without delays. As more people use low-altitude aircraft, strong management and communication become even more important. They help cities and businesses trust new ways of moving people and goods.
Application Scenario
Civil Use Cases
Low-altitude aircraft have changed daily life in many cities. Drones now deliver food and packages to homes. People use air taxis for quick trips across town. Aerial photography has become easier and more affordable. Many news stations use drones to capture live events from above. Drones also help with weather modification, such as artificial rain, which supports farming in dry areas.
Drones can reach places that are hard for people to access. This makes them useful for emergency rescue missions. Search teams use drones to find missing people faster and safer.
The table below shows some common civil applications and their effects:
Application Area | Description | Impact on Low-Altitude Economy |
|---|---|---|
Daily Deliveries | Expands service capabilities and efficiency. | |
Aerial Photography | Captures images from the air. | Improves media and marketing. |
Artificial Rain | Supports weather modification. | Helps agriculture. |
Emergency Rescue | Used in search and rescue operations. | Improves response time and safety. |
Industrial Applications
Industries use low-altitude aircraft for many tasks. Farmers use drones to spray pesticides over large fields. This reduces labor costs and increases crop yield. Power companies send drones to inspect power lines and towers. This keeps workers safe and lowers inspection costs. Surveyors use drones to map land quickly and accurately.
Application Area | Description | Impact on Low-Altitude Economy |
|---|---|---|
Pesticide Spraying | Drones spray pesticides over crops. | Reduces labor costs and boosts yield. |
Grid Inspections | Drones inspect power lines and infrastructure. | Increases safety and lowers costs. |
Geographic Surveying | Drones map and survey land. | Improves data accuracy and efficiency. |
Low-Altitude Economy Impact
The Low-Altitude Economy continues to grow as more sectors adopt these technologies. The projected economic value will reach $31 billion in 2026 and could rise to $1 trillion by 2040.
Year | Projected Economic Value |
|---|---|
2026 | $31 billion |
2040 | $1 trillion |
These numbers show strong growth and new opportunities. Drones and eVTOLs help cities and industries work smarter and safer. The Low-Altitude Economy brings new jobs, better services, and a safer environment for everyone.
Supporting Service
Insurance & Training
Supporting services help the Low-Altitude Economy grow safely and smoothly. Insurance protects companies and users from risks. It covers accidents, damage, and other unexpected events. Training gives pilots and operators the skills they need. Good training keeps flights safe and helps people use new technology. Maintenance teams also play a big part. They check and fix aircraft to make sure everything works well.
Supporting Services | Description |
|---|---|
Insurance | Essential for risk management in the low-altitude economy. |
Training | Necessary for ensuring skilled operation of aircraft. |
Maintenance | Critical for the upkeep and safety of aircraft operations. |
Tip: Well-trained staff and strong insurance plans help companies build trust with customers.
Data & Compliance
Data management and compliance services keep flights safe and legal. Companies collect flight data to track aircraft and improve performance. They follow rules set by groups like the FAA. These rules help prevent mistakes and keep everyone safe. For example, the FAA has shared advice about possible service interruptions for low-altitude aircraft using CPDLC below 16,000 feet. The FAA also warns about coverage gaps and common errors in communication systems. Companies must pay attention to these notices to avoid problems.
Evidence Description | Link |
|---|---|
FAA’s advisory on potential service interruptions for CPDLC users below 16,000 feet MSL | |
FAA’s warning about coverage gaps for low-altitude CPDLC users | |
FAA’s notice on frequent CPDLC errors and overlooked policies |
Note: Following compliance rules helps companies avoid fines and keeps the airspace safe for everyone.
Industry Support
Industry support services help companies stay strong and ready for change. These services include policy consulting, technical support, and data analysis. Policy experts help companies understand new laws and get the right approvals. Technical teams solve problems and keep systems running. Data analysts study flight records to find ways to improve safety and efficiency. Together, these services help the Low-Altitude Economy grow and adapt to new challenges.
The six sectors each play a key role in the Low-Altitude Economy. Aircraft manufacturing, infrastructure, operations, air traffic management, application scenarios, and support services all work together. Their integration helps cities and industries grow. Experts expect big changes in the next five years:
Infrastructure and technology will improve.
Cargo services will likely appear first.
Planning now will help future growth.
New systems will focus on safety and public trust.
FAQ
What is the low-altitude economy?
The low-altitude economy uses aircraft like drones and eVTOLs to move people and goods below 1,000 meters. Cities and industries use these aircraft for fast delivery, travel, and inspections. This sector helps create new jobs and services.
How do vertiports support urban air travel?
Vertiports give eVTOLs safe places to take off and land. These sites often include waiting areas, security checks, and charging stations. Vertiports help make urban air travel smooth and reliable.
Why is air traffic management important for drones?
Air traffic management keeps drones and other aircraft safe. It uses systems to track flights, prevent collisions, and guide pilots. These tools help many aircraft share the sky without accidents.
What training do drone operators need?
Drone operators learn how to fly safely, follow rules, and handle emergencies. Training programs teach them about weather, airspace, and equipment. Good training helps operators avoid mistakes and protect people on the ground.
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