China Establishes New Department to Drive Low-Altitude Economy and eVTOL Pilots
China is set to establish a new government department dedicated to overseeing the development of its emerging low-altitude aviation sector. According to reports from Caixin, this new entity, referred to as the low-altitude economy department, will operate under the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country's top economic planner. The department will serve as a liaison, coordinating with other key government bodies, including the Chinese Air Force, to streamline regulations and foster growth in this industry. A significant initial step involves launching pilot programs for passenger transport using electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in six domestic cities, with Shenzhen identified as one of the locations. This move follows earlier efforts to centralize airspace management, including the appointment of Deputy Prime Minister Han Zheng to lead an airspace management commission three years ago. The initiative highlights Beijing's strategic push to capitalize on the potential of advanced air mobility technologies, aiming to integrate them into urban transport systems while maintaining strict regulatory oversight through collaboration between civilian economic planners and military authorities.
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China Establishes New Department to Drive Low-Altitude Economy and eVTOL Pilots
China is set to establish a new government department dedicated to overseeing the development of its emerging low-altitude aviation sector. According to reports from Caixin, this new entity, referred to as the low-altitude economy department, will operate under the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country's top economic planner. The department will serve as a liaison, coordinating with other key government bodies, including the Chinese Air Force, to streamline regulations and foster growth in this industry. A significant initial step involves launching pilot programs for passenger transport using electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in six domestic cities, with Shenzhen identified as one of the locations. This move follows earlier efforts to centralize airspace management, including the appointment of Deputy Prime Minister Han Zheng to lead an airspace management commission three years ago. The initiative highlights Beijing's strategic push to capitalize on the potential of advanced air mobility technologies, aiming to integrate them into urban transport systems while maintaining strict regulatory oversight through collaboration between civilian economic planners and military authorities.
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