China's island province to beef up low-altitude economy

HAIKOU -- China's southernmost tropical island province, Hainan, has pledged to accelerate the development of its low-altitude economy, capitalizing on the broader momentum of China's rapidly expanding low-altitude sector.

According to an ambitious three-year action plan, the province aims to attract and cultivate 200 enterprises related to the low-altitude economic industrial chain, and achieve an industry scale of 30 billion yuan (around $4.17 billion) by 2026.

The plan outlines several key targets, including the construction of nine general-purpose airports and the establishment of 500 takeoff and landing sites for low-altitude aircraft. Additionally, 300 low-altitude flight routes will be designated, with manned and unmanned aircraft projected to reach annual flight volumes of 300,000 and 4.5 million, respectively.

The province will focus on developing low-altitude aircraft and gradually establishing a manufacturing ecosystem. Moreover, it aims to create a low-altitude economy innovation hub and foster competitive industrial clusters.

Since becoming one of China's first pilot provinces for low-altitude airspace management reform in 2010, Hainan has been at the forefront of these initiatives. With its favorable climate and rich maritime resources, the island facilitates year-round low-altitude tourism and aerial sports while supporting marine transport, offshore rescue, and fisheries monitoring.