Core Insights - The fourth Global Digital Trade Expo highlighted the significance of low-altitude economy as a new productive force, with China having 1,400 enterprises in low-altitude equipment and nearly 30 types of ton-class drones and 70 types of eVTOLs under research, although the number of general aviation aircraft is only 2% of that in the United States [1] - The release of the "Hangzhou Low-altitude Flight Common Agreement (Trial)" aims to provide important guidelines for safe and orderly low-altitude flight, filling a regulatory gap in the low-altitude economy [1] Group 1 - Hangzhou has become a focal point in low-altitude economy exploration, with over 400 related enterprises and a complete industrial chain covering R&D, manufacturing, and operation services, projecting an industry output value of 32.9 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 26.54% [2] - The city anticipates over 1 million low-altitude flights in the first half of 2025, with innovative applications in "low-altitude + high-speed rail," "low-altitude + medical," and "low-altitude + delivery" continuing to emerge [2] - A collaborative network for low-altitude scene innovation was initiated, involving representatives from 10 cities including Hangzhou, Ningbo, Shaoxing, and Wenzhou, aiming to build a cooperative development pattern that covers Zhejiang and connects nationally and globally [2] Group 2 - The "2025 Smart Low-altitude Economy Development Trend Outlook Report" indicates that low-altitude economy development is at a critical stage in China's strategic layout, with regions like Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao, Yangtze River Delta, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, and Chengdu-Chongqing accelerating their low-altitude economy layouts [2] - Zhejiang province possesses unique advantages in the low-altitude economy, with digital technologies like AI and cloud computing providing foundational support, and its geographical features fostering differentiated demands in island logistics, mountain inspections, urban applications, and smart tourism [3] - The concentration of express logistics companies in the province is essential for establishing a modern aviation logistics system and fostering the development of large and medium-sized drone manufacturing and value realization chains [3]

Core Insights - The low-altitude economy is accelerating towards scale and standardization, with institutional barriers gradually being removed by government initiatives [1][3] - The release of the "Linkage Power" Index for urban low-altitude economies highlights the competitive landscape and development trends across nearly 300 cities [3][4] - Major cities like Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai are leading the low-altitude economy, showcasing significant advantages in enterprise aggregation, innovation, and capital [7][8] Group 1: Industry Development - The low-altitude economy is segmented into four key areas: infrastructure, manufacturing, operational services, and flight assurance, forming a complete industrial system [4] - In the past year, 2,427 new enterprises have entered the low-altitude economy, reflecting a new phase of scale development [4] - By 2026, Guangdong's low-altitude economy is projected to exceed 300 billion, with a significant increase in flight hours for general aviation [17] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - The "Linkage Power" Index shows Beijing and Shenzhen leading with scores of 95.58 and 86.12, respectively, while Shanghai follows with 79.15, indicating a widening gap with other cities [4][8] - Cities like Guangzhou, Chengdu, Nanjing, and Suzhou are also emerging as strong contenders, with scores above 43, indicating robust development potential [10][12] - The report identifies 13 additional cities, including Zhuhai and Shaoxing, that have made it into the top 50, showcasing diverse paths to success in the low-altitude economy [12][14] Group 3: Regional Collaboration - Major economic regions such as the Greater Bay Area, Yangtze River Delta, and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei are recognized as key centers for low-altitude economic development [15][19] - Collaborative efforts among cities are becoming a trend, with initiatives like the intercity low-altitude bus route in the Yangtze River Delta marking a new phase of integrated transportation [15][19] - The report emphasizes the importance of patience and strategic positioning for cities to effectively engage in the low-altitude economy [19]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the rapid development of the low-altitude economy in China, predicting that 2025 will be a pivotal year for this sector, driven by significant investments and policy support from various regions [1][2]. Upstream: Materials and Core Components - The upstream segment includes materials and components essential for low-altitude products, such as composite and metal materials, batteries, motors, and flight control systems [11][12]. - A total of 31 companies in the upstream sector have been identified, focusing on materials and core components necessary for the production of low-altitude vehicles [12][13]. Midstream: eVTOL Manufacturing and Related Industries - The midstream sector encompasses the manufacturing of eVTOLs, drones, and helicopters, along with high-end equipment manufacturing and low-altitude infrastructure [15][16]. - There are 49 companies identified in the midstream sector, including notable players like Guangzhou EHang Intelligent Technology Co., which has achieved significant regulatory milestones [16][17]. Downstream: Flight Services and Operational Scenarios - The downstream segment focuses on flight services, including maintenance, training, and operational scenarios such as urban applications, low-altitude tourism, and emergency rescue [19][20]. - A total of 20 companies are involved in downstream operations, providing various services and applications within the low-altitude economy [19].