Accelerate the development of the Greater Bay Area’s low-altitude economy industry hub. Foshan has issued the “Implementation Plan for Promoting High-Quality Development of the Low-Altitude Economy in Foshan (2024–2026)” (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Plan’). The Plan outlines 14 key tasks centered around four main objectives, stating that by 2026, the low-altitude economy industry system in Foshan will be initially established. It aims to achieve a scale of over 10 billion yuan in the low-altitude economy industry cluster by 2030, accelerating the creation of a low-altitude economy industry hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It is reported that the low-altitude economy focuses on low-altitude flight activities and encompasses a comprehensive economic model, including the R&D, manufacturing, testing, certification, and operational services of low-altitude aircraft.
Key Tasks
In the plan, it is specified that the key tasks include:
- Strengthen the Development System for the Low-Altitude Manufacturing Industry
- Develop a systematic framework for the low-altitude manufacturing supply chain, promote new energy sources, advanced materials, and high-end equipment manufacturing, and enhance collaboration among industries related to low-altitude manufacturing.
- Focus on Key Materials and Advanced Manufacturing of Components
- Promote the development of lightweight materials for aviation and high-performance engineering plastics.
- Advocate for the use of functional composite materials and high-performance structural ceramics, and facilitate the industrialization of relevant technologies.
- Support the expansion of high-capacity battery technology for low-altitude aviation and industrial applications.
- Actively Attract Investment for the Low-Altitude Manufacturing Industry
- Focus on attracting companies related to vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, key materials, and components. Strengthen collaboration with domestic and foreign industry departments, emphasizing the recruitment of low-altitude manufacturing enterprises, and supporting “single champion” and “specialized giant” enterprises.
- Support the Development of Low-Altitude Technology and Capable Manufacturing
- Support major scientific research platforms, universities, and research institutions in accessing resources in the national aviation sector, concentrating efforts on competing for national and provincial major scientific technology projects.
- Support enterprises in establishing innovative research frameworks, fostering industry innovation centers, engineering research centers, manufacturing innovation centers, and other technological innovation platforms.
- Promote the Development of Related Services for Low-Altitude Manufacturing
- Based on the Guangzhou New Airport, focus on promoting aviation exhibitions, aircraft maintenance, and integrated service industries related to low-altitude manufacturing.
- Build a Platform for the Development of the Low-Altitude Economic Industry
- Establish a “cluster” for low-altitude manufacturing development in the Fushan Economic Zone, focusing on intelligent manufacturing.
- Research and Promote Low-Altitude Airspace Classification
- Combine the actual needs of the city’s low-altitude airspace to optimize the classification of vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and manage airspace effectively.
- Focus on developing airspace suitable for operations below 120 meters, ensuring safe flight for these aircraft and the shared use of airspace resources.
- Scientifically Plan and Establish Ground Infrastructure
- Develop infrastructure in key commercial areas, parks, scenic spots, and medical facilities,to create a comprehensive network for vertical takeoff and landing operations.
- Encourage the development of public facilities, housing, commercial buildings, and industrial spaces to support low-altitude infrastructure.
- Promote the Planning of Digital Low-Altitude Infrastructure
- Enhance the capabilities in computing, communication, monitoring, and navigation, and develop monitoring networks for low-altitude weather conditions.
- Encourage collaboration among government resources and social enterprises to optimize low-altitude communication networks and establish integrated network systems, focusing on digitization and intelligent infrastructure development.
- Expand Public Service Application Areas
- Further develop vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to support “thousands of projects,” including emergency response, medical aid, disaster relief, land monitoring, and urban management.
- Innovate Application Scenarios in Consumer Services
- Coordinate efforts to establish travel routes in the Zhangzhou area, exploring low-altitude transportation applications in logistics and tourism.
- Encourage logistics companies to develop low-altitude transportation modes and explore new models for urban delivery.
- Strengthen Collaborative Innovation in Low-Altitude Economic Zones
- Actively integrate the low-altitude economic industry clusters of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, enhancing cooperation with cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai to expand the development chain of low-altitude economic zones.
- Promote the Establishment of Management Services for Low-Altitude Flight Coordination
- Participate in the planning and establishment of flight service stations, promote the development of military-civilian coordination mechanisms for low-altitude airspace, and optimize the reporting processes and service guarantees for low-altitude flight activities.
- Actively Participate in Standardization of Low-Altitude Economic Sectors
- Promote the establishment of industry associations for the development of low-altitude economies, supporting local enterprises, universities, and research institutions in participating in the formulation of standards for low-altitude economic sectors, creating a set of industry standards and national benchmarks.
Measures for Assurance
In order to assure a sustainable development of low-altitude economy, the government of Foshan also initiate measures including:
- Strengthen Planning Leadership
- Expedite the development of plans for low-altitude construction, low-altitude zone classification, and foundational infrastructure. Develop frameworks such as “Low-Altitude Logistics” and “Low-Altitude Tourism” to shape the “1+N” development model for the low-altitude economic sector.
- Enhance Organizational Guidance
- Strengthen the coordination of relevant departments to unify efforts in developing the low-altitude economic sector across the city.
- Increase Key Element Guarantees
- Support the gathering of low-altitude economic industry clusters and projects, focusing on attracting essential technological talent and foundational infrastructure. Foster and develop skilled professionals for low-altitude operations.
- Secure Government Support
- Collaborate with provincial and municipal governments to integrate policies and actively seek support for the development of the low-altitude economic sector.
- Implement Safety Management
- Establish a comprehensive safety management framework for the low-altitude economic sector, including regulations and standards for flight activities and equipment usage, ensuring public safety and operational security.
China’s ambition in the low-altitude economy, particularly exemplified by cities like Foshan, reflects a strategic vision for innovation and development. Foshan is positioning itself as a pivotal hub within this emerging sector, leveraging advanced technology and enhancing infrastructure to optimize urban air mobility, logistics, and public services. By fostering collaborative frameworks and investing in research and standardization, Foshan aims to not only boost economic growth but also improve the quality of life for its citizens through efficient transportation solutions. As the city continues to implement safety measures and integrate its low-altitude initiatives, it underscores China’s commitment to harnessing the full potential of low-altitude airspace, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future in the aviation industry.
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