In recent years, China’s low-altitude economy has experienced rapid growth. During a press conference on October 23, Tao Qing, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and Director of the Operations Monitoring and Coordination Bureau, shared the ministry’s strategic initiatives and considerations for promoting the development of this sector.
Tao emphasized that MIIT is placing significant importance on the growth of the low-altitude industry, focusing on four main areas:
First, enhancing top-level planning. Earlier this year, MIIT and relevant departments issued the “Implementation Plan for the Innovative Application of General Aviation Equipment (2024–2030).” This plan involves collaboration with other agencies to explore and innovate technological equipment for the low-altitude industry.
Second, driving application across multiple scenarios. MIIT, along with other departments, has launched pilot projects for innovative applications of general aviation in several regions across the country. For instance, a conference on the innovative development of the low-altitude industry was held in Shihezi, Xinjiang, promoting the establishment of an integrated air transport system. In Beinan, Heilongjiang, MIIT hosted a showcase of innovative applications for general aviation equipment, aiming to set benchmarks for the widespread use of agricultural drones and forestry protection, with the goal of reducing the average operational cost for crop protection drones to under 10 yuan per mu.
Third, promoting the integration of information technology and equipment development. Major communications companies in China, along with firms specializing in power batteries and electric motors, are actively engaging in the low-altitude economy. Innovations across these sectors are quickly converging in the low-altitude industry. Efforts have commenced to test low-altitude communication and sensing network technologies based on 5G/5G-A.
Fourth, improving the regulatory and standards framework for the industry. In order to enhance the quality of drone manufacturing, regulations such as the “Regulations on the Production Management of Civil Unmanned Aircraft” and the “Interim Measures for the Radio Management of Civil Unmanned Aircraft” have been enacted. National standards, including “Safety Requirements for Civil Unmanned Aircraft Systems,” have been developed, along with an information system for civil unmanned aircraft products that ensures the continuous improvement of company and product registration management.
Looking ahead, Tao outlined the MIIT’s key initiatives moving forward:
– Continuing to accelerate breakthroughs in critical technologies, focusing on essential areas such as low-altitude equipment technology, safety technology, and operational technology. This systematic approach aims to advance common technical challenges and promote iterative upgrades in general aviation technology and equipment.
– Strengthening scenario-driven applications. MIIT plans to support pioneering regions in creating low-altitude multi-scenario application demonstration systems tailored to local conditions, fostering new business models in low-altitude logistics, urban and intercity air transportation, and cultural tourism. There are also plans to explore new models in agricultural protection, inspection, and emergency rescue.
– Deepening the drive for integrated innovation. The MIIT will actively encourage the convergence of new-generation information communication technology and renewable energy technology with drones and other low-altitude equipment. Research into the usage of radio frequencies in the low-altitude economy will be conducted, along with promoting the construction of low-altitude information infrastructure based on demand, speeding up the development of intelligent low-altitude technologies and innovative models.
– Continuously reinforcing the support of regulations and standards. MIIT will continue to conduct training and promotional activities related to relevant regulations, guiding drone manufacturing companies in compliant management. Furthermore, efforts will be made to establish a comprehensive industrial standards framework covering the entire lifecycle of low-altitude equipment from research and development to manufacturing, while encouraging industry organizations to facilitate communication and collaboration among companies to build a healthy industrial ecosystem.
