Core Viewpoint - The low-altitude economy is emerging with various commercial paths and underlying rules, focusing on product development and airworthiness processes for domestic eVTOL manufacturers [1][2][3] Group 1: Industry Overview - The low-altitude economy is gaining traction, with significant developments in eVTOL applications, such as logistics and emergency medical services [2][10] - The eVTOL industry is characterized by a complex regulatory environment, requiring manufacturers to collaborate closely with aviation authorities to establish safety standards [3][16] - The industry is expected to see the first generation of manufacturers complete their research and airworthiness certification by 2025-2026, leading to commercial operations by 2030 [21][22] Group 2: Company Profile - Established in 2020,沃飞长空 is a key player in the low-altitude economy, focusing on the development of manned eVTOLs with a team of nearly 600 [3][4] - The company has chosen a unique technical path with a tilt-rotor design, which poses challenges in meeting safety standards during various flight modes [3][15] -沃飞长空 is actively building its commercial ecosystem through partnerships with various downstream operators and suppliers [4][19] Group 3: Business Strategy - The company prioritizes manned eVTOLs over cargo models, believing that passenger services will yield higher commercial returns [9][13] - Key application scenarios for沃飞长空 include low-altitude tourism, urban transportation, and emergency medical rescue, aiming to enhance user experience and operational efficiency [10][11][12] - The company is leveraging automotive supply chain capabilities to enhance its eVTOL manufacturing processes, ensuring safety and comfort in its products [18][19] Group 4: Challenges and Future Outlook - The eVTOL industry faces significant challenges in airworthiness certification, with safety standards set higher than traditional aircraft [15][16] - The market is expected to stabilize after initial hype, allowing companies to focus on core aspects like safety and certification [21] - Future competition will hinge on technological capabilities, innovation, and the ability to secure funding and talent in a resource-constrained environment [23][24]

Core Insights - The 2025 International Low Altitude Economy Expo highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the eVTOL industry, particularly for companies like EHang, which has achieved significant milestones but faces operational and regulatory hurdles [2][3][4] - Chinese eVTOL companies have secured substantial overseas orders, including a record $1.75 billion deal with Volant Aerospace and a $1 billion order from a UAE company, indicating strong market interest [2] - The industry is transitioning from merely manufacturing aircraft to addressing systemic challenges related to sustainable, compliant, and profitable operations, including route planning and regulatory coordination [2][4] Company Insights - EHang has obtained the world's first eVTOL model type certificate (TC), production certificate (PC), and airworthiness certificate (AC), establishing its leading position in the industry [3][4] - Despite holding these certifications, EHang's operational capabilities are currently limited to specific routes, such as scenic flights within designated areas, rather than urban air mobility [3][4] - The lengthy certification process restricts technological advancements, as any changes to core components require additional approvals, impacting the company's ability to innovate [4] Industry Challenges - The eVTOL industry faces significant entry barriers due to stringent airworthiness standards and high R&D costs, which dictate the future viability of companies based on their initial technology and business model choices [5] - The shortage of qualified personnel for airworthiness certification is a critical constraint, with only about 400 certifying personnel available for over 700 drone manufacturers in China [8][9] - The lack of established standards for eVTOLs complicates the certification process, requiring tailored agreements between regulators and companies [9] Regulatory Environment - Airspace management remains a complex issue, particularly in densely populated areas like Shanghai, where existing airspace is heavily regulated and requires careful planning for low-altitude operations [10][11] - The legal framework governing low-altitude economics is still developing, leading to fragmented regulations across different regions, which can hinder operational efficiency [11][12] Future Directions - The focus of the low-altitude economy is shifting from aircraft manufacturing to building a comprehensive industry ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of legal and financial frameworks [12][15] - Companies are exploring various business models, with a trend towards starting with cargo operations before moving to passenger services, as seen with Meituan's successful drone delivery operations [13][14] - The establishment of a robust supply chain and core component ecosystem is essential for the long-term sustainability of the eVTOL industry [15]