Group 1 - SF Express is a leading player in the low-altitude logistics industry, having initiated its drone logistics exploration in 2012 and conducted its first trial in 2013 [1] - The company received the first national "Drone Aviation Operation (Pilot) License" in March 2018 and the first "Civil Unmanned Aircraft Operation Qualification Certificate" in January 2024, indicating strong regulatory support [1] Group 2 - The core competitiveness of SF Express's drone operations lies in its scenario-based technology adaptation, featuring models like the Ark 40 for same-city delivery and PW.Orca for intercity transport [2] - The self-developed flight control system and low-altitude flight management service system enhance operational stability and regulatory compliance [2] Group 3 - The first "Air-Ground Collaborative" smart logistics operation center, the Fengyi Baoan Low-altitude Smart Logistics Operation Center, was inaugurated in February 2025, capable of processing over 2000 packages daily [6] - The center integrates traditional and low-altitude logistics, achieving average delivery times of 2 hours for same-city packages and 3 hours for intercity packages [6] Group 4 - As of November 30, 2024, SF Express's drone operations have opened over 600 routes, completed more than 1.1 million flights, and transported over 6.2 million packages, covering a total distance exceeding 5.7 million kilometers [7][8] - The operations include rural delivery, specialty economy, island transport, and intercity logistics, with a daily volume of 20,000 packages in the Greater Bay Area [7] Group 5 - SF Express has engaged in multiple collaborations to advance low-altitude logistics, including a strategic agreement with Qianfang Technology to develop diverse operational scenarios [8] - In February 2025, SF Express signed an agreement with Zhongke Low-altitude Economic Development Group to explore scalable applications of low-altitude economy in Henan Province [9] - A significant partnership was established with Yifei Aviation Technology for the purchase of 100 ES1000 large short-distance takeoff and landing unmanned transport aircraft, enhancing logistics efficiency [9]

Core Viewpoint - The development of low-altitude economy in China is crucial for enhancing the logistics system, particularly in addressing the shortcomings of regional air logistics and utilizing cost-effective cargo drones to meet real-world demands in the logistics sector [1][9]. Group 1: Low-altitude Economy and Logistics - The low-altitude economy is seen as a transformative force for China's logistics, particularly in regions with challenging geographical conditions, such as the northwest, where traditional infrastructure is difficult to develop [5][7]. - The establishment of a robust air logistics network can facilitate the flow of resources, including capital, technology, and talent, from economically developed southeastern regions to the less developed northwest [5][9]. Group 2: Industry Developments and Innovations - Companies like Yifei Aviation and Weizhi Aviation are focusing on the regional air logistics sector, with products like the ES1000 drone, which can carry 1.5 tons over a distance of 1000 kilometers, and the Macro Yunxiong drone, which can carry 500 kilograms over 500 kilometers [11][13]. - The recent order of 100 ES1000 drones by SF Express is viewed as a significant step in the commercialization of low-altitude economy and regional logistics in China [11]. Group 3: Comparison with Global Aviation Industry - China's aviation industry is currently at a disadvantage compared to the U.S., which has a significantly larger number of general aviation airports and a more developed aviation infrastructure [15][17]. - The shift towards electric and intelligent aviation technologies is expected to bridge the gaps in China's aviation capabilities, similar to how the country has advanced in the electric vehicle sector [17][19]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The low-altitude economy is anticipated to reshape various industries, including agriculture, electricity, and transportation, by leveraging the advantages of drones, such as low cost and high efficiency [19]. - There is a strong belief in the potential of China's low-altitude economy to evolve from a domestic focus to a global presence, driven by innovative technology and the capabilities of young entrepreneurs [19].

Investment Rating - The report recommends investment in several companies within the aviation and logistics sectors, including China National Aviation (601111.SH), Southern Airlines (600029.SH), and Huamao Logistics (603128.SH) [9]. Core Insights - The report highlights the recovery of air travel demand, with domestic ASK (Available Seat Kilometers) for major airlines exceeding 100% of 2019 levels, indicating a strong rebound in the aviation sector [19][22]. - The logistics sector is expected to benefit from the growth of cross-border e-commerce, driven by domestic demand and the expansion of local manufacturing brands [8]. - The report emphasizes the importance of smart logistics and digital transformation in enhancing operational efficiency and meeting consumer demands [63][66]. Summary by Sections Aviation and Airports - As of December 2024, domestic ASK recovery rates for major airlines reached 132.45% for China National Aviation and 153.98% for Spring Airlines compared to 2019 [19]. - International flight recovery rates vary, with the UK at 112% and Italy at 122% compared to 2019 [22]. - The report notes that the optimism surrounding airport duty-free agreements has been priced in, with future international passenger flow recovery being a key focus [7]. Shipping and Ports - The SCFI (Shanghai Containerized Freight Index) reported a value of 1436 points as of March 7, 2025, reflecting a week-on-week decrease of 5.21% and a year-on-year decrease of 23.83% [28]. - The BDTI (Baltic Dirty Tanker Index) was at 879 points, down 0.86% week-on-week and down 26.01% year-on-year [33]. - The report indicates a significant decline in shipping rates across various routes, with the CCFI (China Containerized Freight Index) showing a decrease of 7.70% year-on-year [28]. Road and Rail - In December 2024, railway freight volume increased by 8.46% year-on-year, reaching 4.59 million tons, while road freight volume grew by 9.94% to 37.74 million tons [39][46]. - The report highlights the expansion of rail capacity in the southwest region, enhancing operational efficiency [60]. Express Logistics - The express delivery sector achieved a revenue of 137.89 billion yuan in December 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of 13.60% [49]. - The average price per express delivery item decreased by 13.61% to 7.75 yuan [49]. - The report emphasizes the growth potential in the express logistics sector, driven by e-commerce and the development of differentiated competitive advantages among leading companies [8].