SHENZHEN – In an ambitious move to revolutionize urban air mobility, Guangdong province has unveiled a comprehensive action plan to foster the development of the low-altitude economy. This strategic initiative aims to transform Guangdong into a global nexus for low-altitude aircraft operations by 2026, with projections to burgeon the economic scale beyond 300 billion yuan.

The plan, meticulously crafted to span the next three years, is set to catalyze the commercial deployment of low-altitude aircraft, marking a significant leap in South China’s economic dynamism. The provincial government’s blueprint encompasses a holistic approach, addressing critical facets from airspace management and infrastructure enhancement to the amplification of urban applications and the fortification of industrial innovation.

He Tianxing, Vice president of EHang Holdings Ltd, a vanguard in urban air mobility technology, emphasized the plan’s pivotal role in the gradual maturation of the low-altitude economy. “This is a sector that demands patient cultivation,” he remarked, acknowledging the intricate tapestry of elements that must coalesce to produce such a vision.

Central to the plan is the creation of a synergistic industrial pattern, interlinking Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai. These cities are poised to become the tripartite engines driving the low-altitude economy, fostering an ecosystem of coordinated development that leverages their unique strengths.

Guangdong is poised to become a hub for the burgeoning low-altitude economy, fostering industry leaders and innovative startups through strategic government investments and market-driven funds. This initiative aims to inject capital into pivotal sectors of this nascent economy.

A leading enterprise in this sector has committed to collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance the quality and accelerate the commercialization of the low-altitude economy. This includes the rapid deployment of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and the development of supporting infrastructure.

Chinese firms are actively preparing for the commercial application of low-altitude aircraft, spurred by policies promoting the use of helicopters and eVTOLs for new services such as air commuting, business travel, and international flights. The strategy includes plans to establish air routes between Guangdong and Hainan, expanding the low-altitude transportation network.

EHang, a Guangzhou-based company, has pioneered demo flights showcasing the versatility of eVTOLs in passenger transport, logistics, urban management, and entertainment. Notably, its EH216-S model has achieved a historic milestone by receiving the world’s first Type Certificate for an autonomous passenger eVTOL from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, validating the aircraft’s design and airworthiness. This certificate is a testament to the stringent standards met by EHang’s eVTOLs, marking a significant advancement in civil aviation and the low-altitude economy.

The X2, a flying car developed by Xpeng Aeroht affiliated with automaker Xpeng, is displayed at the 2023 Smart China Expo in Chongqing.

Xpeng Aeroht, the aviation branch of Xpeng Motors, is making significant strides in the realm of urban air mobility with its innovative modular flying car design. The electric vehicle giant has recently received the Certificate for the aerial component of this cutting-edge vehicle from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This modular approach, comprising separate ground and air modules, offers a versatile solution to urban transportation challenges.

According to Qiu Mingquan, Vice-President of Xpeng Aeroht, while the widespread integration of flying cars into urban environments may not be immediate, the company’s focus on individual users could see these vehicles taking to the skies within five years. The dual functionality of the design allows for traditional road travel with the land module. In contrast, the air module can fly in designated zones, heralding a new era of personal transportation that seamlessly blends driving with flying. (zai)