China’s central government has recently released its first action plan to speed up the development of flying cars, with the aim of establishing the aviation sector for low-altitude airspace as a new growth engine for the economy. The plan includes pilot programs for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL), or air taxis, which will be introduced in regions like Guangdong province, Hong Kong, and Macau. By 2030, Beijing plans to have a new aviation equipment industry in place, where eVTOLs and drones will operate at low altitudes to offer intelligent and eco-friendly air travel and ferry services across various sectors of society.
The idea of a “low-altitude economy” was mentioned for the first time in the government work report during the annual parliamentary meetings that concluded on March 11. This move underscores China’s commitment to enhancing its aerospace industry and embracing innovative aviation technology to boost economic growth. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is leading this initiative to transform the way people travel and transport goods in the future.