全球感知丨全球低空经济竞争升温——透视美国先进空中交通国家战略

Core Insights - The U.S. Department of Transportation has introduced the first national strategy for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) for the period 2026-2036, aiming to integrate electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into national airspace, thereby enhancing the U.S.'s global leadership in next-generation aviation [1][2][4] Economic Impact - The U.S. aviation industry supports $1.8 trillion in economic activity annually, contributing nearly 4% to GDP, with AAM identified as a core component for future transportation, logistics, emergency services, and national defense [1][2] Strategic Framework - The AAM strategy includes 40 action recommendations focusing on industry competitiveness, operational safety, and economic strength, structured around six pillars: airspace, infrastructure, safety, planning and community engagement, workforce, and automation [2] - A four-phase framework named LIFT is proposed to transition from pilot projects to a fully transformed aviation ecosystem [2] Implementation Timeline - The strategy outlines a three-phase approach for commercial rollout: - By 2027, demonstration operations and limited early commercial services will be conducted using existing airports and vertiports - By 2030, regular operations will commence in select urban and rural areas, covering diverse eVTOL applications - By 2035, advanced application scenarios will be developed, promoting autonomous operation modes in specific environments [3] Challenges and Solutions - Airspace management is identified as the biggest challenge for scaling AAM, with the FAA acknowledging that current air traffic control systems cannot accommodate the anticipated volume of low-altitude aircraft [3] - Proposed solutions include creating cooperative airspace models, transitioning operational modes to rely more on automation and data exchange, and integrating low-altitude traffic with existing aviation systems [3] Automation and Safety - While autonomous flying taxis are a long-term goal, the strategy emphasizes that operations before 2035 will be pilot-led, supported by a robust safety framework and gradual automation [3] Domestic Manufacturing and Global Leadership - The strategy aims to establish a domestic manufacturing system, promote aircraft exports, and secure global standards in the AAM sector, reflecting a cautious yet competitive development approach [4] Joby Aviation's Role - Joby Aviation is recognized as a leader in eVTOL technology, with significant advancements in international flight demonstrations and plans for expansion in the Middle East, where demand for high-end air travel is strong [5][6][7] Competitive Landscape - The U.S. and China are currently the leading players in the global low-altitude aviation market, with the U.S. focusing on technological leadership while China sets clear economic development targets [8][9]