Shenzhen Develops Low-Altitude Economy and Creates a “City in the Sky”
Shenzhen, China, has made significant strides in developing its low-altitude economy, establishing itself as a world leader in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry. Drones flying between high-rise buildings have revolutionized the delivery of takeaways to consumers, showcasing the city’s prowess in low-altitude logistics.
The low-altitude economy has become an important choice for cultivating and developing new economic momentum and is a key strategic emerging industry direction for global competition. Shenzhen is actively seizing strategic opportunities by promulgating policies around technological innovation, facility construction, and scenario expansion to actively build a “city in the sky” that faces the future and rides on the wind.
In recent years, the city has witnessed rapid advancements in low-altitude logistics, with Meituan establishing 23 drone food delivery routes in Shenzhen. This move signifies the integration of low-altitude logistics into the daily lives of residents, with more than 600,000 cargo drone flights completed in 2023.
Shenzhen’s low-altitude economy is not confined to delivery services. The city also leads in traditional general aviation, with the number of helicopter flights expected to exceed 20,000 in 2023. Additionally, the city is home to several companies leading in the low-altitude economic industry chain, including DJI, which accounts for more than 70% of the global market.
In 2023, Shenzhen included “low-altitude economy” in its government work report for the first time, attesting to the city’s commitment to developing this burgeoning industry. Shenzhen also attracted investment and talent from around the world, with Lilium, a German eVTOL R&D and manufacturer, establishing its Chinese headquarters in the city.
Shenzhen’s ambition to create a “city in the sky” is further supported by the release of multiple industrial plans and policies, providing strong support from various aspects such as policies and laws for the development of the low-altitude economy. The city has launched a standardized urban air traffic operation demonstration center and is accelerating the improvement of low-altitude economic software and hardware foundation and supporting facilities.
By 2025, Shenzhen aims to have laid out more than 600 low-altitude aircraft take-off and landing platforms in a grid, opened more than 220 in-market drone routes, and seen the output value exceed the 100 billion yuan mark.
Meng Fanli, deputy secretary of the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee and secretary of the Shenzhen Municipal Party Committee, highlighted the significant opportunities in the development of low-altitude economic industries and emphasized the city’s proactive stance in innovation and industry development.
Shenzhen’s progress in developing the low-altitude economy underscores its commitment to creating a “city in the sky” and solidifies its position as a global leader in this burgeoning industry.