China has set up a new department to oversee its low-altitude economy, in a landmark boost to the fast-expanding sector as the country seeks new growth drivers for 2025.
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China’s top economic planning body introduced the Low-Altitude Economy Development Division on its website on Friday, according to state news agency Xinhua.
The division would be “responsible for formulating and implementing development strategies and medium- to long-term plans” for the sector, as well as “provide relevant policy recommendations”, and “coordinate major issues”, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said on its website.
While it is the 30th division to be set up under the NDRC, the one appears to be a rarity in that it focuses on a particular industry.
Other NDRC departments have a wider scope, such as those for foreign investment, the private economy, employment, and national defence.
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The low-altitude economy generally refers to both crewed and uncrewed aerial activities below 1,000 metres (3,280 feet), including drone delivery of both goods and passengers.
It also includes the use of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for air taxi and delivery services or in agriculture, for activities like crop-spraying and disease monitoring. The range can be extended to 3,000 metres depending on regional and practical needs.