China’s low-altitude economy has been predicted to hit 2 trillion yuan (around US$280 billion) by 2030 and is expected to touch 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035.

About Low Altitude and Low Altitude Economy

• “Low altitude” refers to airspace 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) above the surface of the Earth.
• The low-altitude economy refers to various economic activities occurring within the vertical airspace below 1,000 meters where civil-manned and unmanned aircraft vehicles operate and promote the integrated development of related fields.
  • This includes not only traditional general aviation but also drone applications, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), etc.

Key Features of Low Altitude Economy

• Low-Altitude Airspace Utilization: Operates mainly below 1,000 meters
• Applications: In delivery, agriculture, surveillance, disaster relief,last-mile connectivity in remote and rural areas, emergency services etc.
• Digital Integration: Relies on technologies like AI, IoT, 5G, cloud computing, and digital twins
  • Enables real-time navigation, traffic coordination, and data analytics.

India and Low Altitude Economy

The Government has undertaken a series of reform measures to facilitate drone manufacturing and operations in the country: 

• Drone Airspace Map (2021): Opened up around 90% of Indian airspace as green zones for drone operations up to 400 feet.
• Liberalised Drone Rules, 2021: Simplified approvals, reduced compliance burden, and boosted ease of doing business.
• Mission Drone Shakti: Promotes Drone-as-a-Service (DrAAS) and supports startups in drone applications.
• Medicine from the Sky: Telangana-led project for drone delivery of medicines and vaccines to remote areas.