China’s Low-Altitude Economy Receives ‘Rare’ Show of Support From Military

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A unmanned aerial vehicle flies at low altitude on June 28, 2024 in Zhuhai, Guangdong province. Photo: VCG

In a “rare” gesture for the military, the air force of the People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command (STC) has expressed support for developing the low-altitude economy, after the central government signaled it will open up more of China’s airspace for civilian use.

The STC air force will collaborate with the government in Guangdong to “create favorable conditions for the development of the low-altitude economy” in the southern province, said Wang Wei, a major general in the STC, during a conference last week.

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The PLA Southern Theater Command Air Force will support Guangdong's development of the low-altitude economy, which includes drones and flying vehicles for transportation, logistics, and tourism.
Historically, 80% of China's airspace has been reserved for military use, but policymakers are looking to open it up to boost GDP growth.
Guangdong aims to become a global hub for the low-altitude economy by 2026, following CAAC's plan to open designated low-altitude airspace zones.

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Who’s Who

Air China Ltd.: Air China Ltd. is a major Chinese airline, and its former chairman, Cai Jianjiang, now serves as the office director of the newly established air traffic management body in China.

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What Happened When

December 2023：: The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) released plans to open two bands of low-altitude airspace zones for use by vehicles like helicopters, drones, and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) craft.

April 2024：: CAAC chief Song Zhiyong published an op-ed in the party-run Study Times stating that the civil aviation administration will work with other government departments to accelerate work on low-altitude flight management regulations.

May 2024：: The Guangdong provincial government announced a plan to set up a low-altitude airspace management mechanism with the goal of becoming a world-leading hub for the low-altitude economy by 2026.

Thursday, July 4, 2024：: A report was published on the Guangdong government's website detailing that the STC air force and Guangdong government will work together to tackle issues in low-altitude airspace management.

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