Shenzhen has unveiled regulations for promoting the low-altitude economy, marking the country’s first dedicated legal framework aimed at propelling the low-altitude economic sector to new heights.

The regulations, approved at a recent meeting of the city’s legislature, are scheduled to take effect Feb. 1, ushering in a new era for the burgeoning industry.

Renowned for its innovation prowess, Shenzhen has a solid foundation in the low-altitude economic industry, boasting a relatively complete industrial ecosystem with several leading enterprises. Consumer-grade drones crafted by Shenzhen-based enterprises command a 70% global market share.

A drone is seen in the air in Shenzhen. File photo

Despite the city’s robust low-altitude economic industry, challenges such as cumbersome airspace resource application procedures, unclear government responsibilities, and inadequate flight services support have impeded further progress, Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported Thursday.

In response to these challenges, the municipal government is mandated to collaborate with air traffic management agencies and civil aviation authorities to establish a coordination mechanism for low-altitude flights, focusing on crucial issues such as airspace delineation and flight activity regulation.

Recognizing the pivotal role of infrastructure in fostering the growth of the low-altitude economy, the regulations grant the municipal government the power to oversee the planning, construction, and operational management of essential low-altitude flight infrastructure. Private capital involvement in both the construction and operation of low-altitude flight infrastructure will be encouraged.

To streamline flight approval processes, the regulations specify that the municipal government shall establish a low-altitude flight service platform, providing a one-stop solution for entities and individuals engaged in low-altitude flight activities.

Online delivery platform Meituan uses drones to deliver meals in Shenzhen. File photo

The regulations also highlight the burgeoning landscape of low-altitude flight applications, ranging from aerial commuting to flying taxis and food deliveries. Municipal and district governments are urged to explore diverse scenarios for low-altitude flight applications in urban management, emergency rescue, medical assistance, firefighting, and other fields.

On June 3, 2023, Nanshan District Low-altitude Economic Investment Promotion Conference & Industry Development Forum was held with the aim to recruit high-quality industrial resources and enterprises from both domestic and foreign low-altitude economies to invest in Nanshan.

As a national innovation hub for the electronic information industry, Nanshan is poised to provide strong support for the development of drones with its comprehensive capabilities in hardware, software, supply chain and solutions.

Nanshan has a well-developed drone industry and a group of leading drone enterprises. In 2022, the output value of Nanshan’s drone industry exceeded 55 billion yuan (US$7.76 billion), accounting for over 50% of the national total.