SZ unveils plan to develop low-altitude economy

Shenzhen has put into effect a blueprint to develop the city’s low-altitude aviation infrastructure. 

The plan states that more than 1,500 take-off and landing points will be built across the city by 2035, positioning Shenzhen to become a global leader in the low-altitude economy.

In the near term, Shenzhen will prioritize public service and logistics applications. Immediate priorities include resolving critical urban governance and industrial pain points such as emergency medical supplies transport and high-value goods delivery. 

The plan introduces five planning strategies to guide development: regional coordination, system construction, scenario-driven deployment, facility intensification and pre-control transmission.

During preparation of the plan, the Shenzhen authority deployed digital technologies including the citywide spatio-temporal information platform to conduct systematic, three-dimensional assessments of key factors around potential facilities, including surrounding environment, airspace clearance conditions, and noise impacts, to make the siting process smarter and more precise.

The plan also commits to monitoring and evaluation of take-off and landing facility usage. Shenzhen officials say the layout will be adjusted in a timely manner as facilities come into operation, transforming a static planning map into a dynamic “live map” that responds to real-world needs and operational data.