Dapeng strives to develop low-altitude economy

Shenzhen is among six cities to launch pilot programs for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, as recently announced during a forum in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province. In response to this initiative, Dapeng New Area is actively advancing the development of the low-altitude economy.

In September, Dapeng released guidelines for the high-quality development of low-altitude aviation, which will be effective from 2024 to 2026. The measures outline three aspects: overall objectives, key tasks, and supporting measures. The area aims to become a leading hub for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) development and establish a comprehensive testing cluster serving the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The plan specifies the construction of a UAV testing base and calls for the designation of more than 100 take-off and landing points across Dapeng. Additionally, it aims to establish low-altitude economic industrial clusters with diverse features, striving to achieve a scale exceeding 2 billion yuan (US$280 million) by 2026. According to the plan, the area aims to attract over 40 enterprises to establish their offices in Dapeng, develop at least two national and provincial-level technology platforms, and open at least 50 low-altitude air routes for logistics, tourism, and urban governance.

The initiative aims to expand application scenarios for the low-altitude economy, including improving UAV logistics service coverage and opening new air routes for urban air transportation, particularly helicopter and eVTOL routes connecting Dapeng Peninsula with Shekou Cruise Homeport, Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, and Shenzhen North Railway Station. 

A drone carrying seafood takes off in Nan'ao, Dapeng New Area, en route to Longgang District, more than 40 kilometers away, in this Feb. 5 photo. The route opened in October 2023 and mainly delivers seafood from Nan'ao to shoppers. Xinhua

Drone delivery services

In March, a drone soared above Xichong Beach, successfully delivering fresh sea urchin to a designated spot — a milestone for drone delivery services in Dongchong and Xichong.

“With drone delivery, we can transport products to Longgang District in just half an hour,” said Lin Shouying, a sea product businessman in Nan’ao. Lin expects the service to significantly boost his sea urchin business by improving efficiency and reaching more customers.

The service officially launched at the end of April and is the first of its kind in Nan’ao Subdistrict. Phoenix Wings, a subsidiary of SF Express specializing in logistics drones, operates the drones. Visitors can scan QR codes along designated hiking routes to purchase products, which staff then prepare and load onto drones for delivery.

A 7.5-kilometer hiking trail through rugged, mountainous terrain between Dongchong and Xichong is expected to benefit most from this innovative service, offering visitors a unique shopping experience and promoting local businesses.

A sightseeing helicopter takes off from the Yun Resort Shenzhen Longcheer in Dapeng New Area on Oct. 29. Liu Xudong

Aerial tours

Tourists in Dapeng New Area now have the opportunity to experience helicopter-based air taxi services thanks to a partnership between Heli-Eastern and the Yun Resort Shenzhen Longcheer. The resort will serve as a terminal for the new helicopter route.

The strategic cooperation agreement, which was announced during a signing ceremony at the resort in October, is part of Dapeng’s plan to develop its low-altitude economy.

According to Cai Wuqun, general manager of the strategic planning department of Heli-Eastern, the 40-kilometer helicopter ride between Yantian District and the hotel only takes 10 minutes.

Cai further explained that it will take 34 minutes to travel from the Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport to the hotel and 25 minutes from the Shenzhen North Station. The service will also connect the resort with the Futian and Nanshan CBDs, as well as provide transportation to Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Dongguan, and Huizhou.

In September, helicopter routes between Luohu and Nan’ao, as well as Yantian and Nan’ao, were launched.

Visitors can reserve a spot via the “空中的士出行” mini program and the “大鹏通行” WeChat account.

Helicopter rescue

On Sept. 22, a helicopter was dispatched to rescue a tourist who fell off a cliff in the Beizaijiao area of Dapeng New Area. Challenging conditions, including numerous reefs, high waves, steep cliffs, and heavy winds, made access by boat extremely challenging, prompting the Shenzhen Emergency Medical Center and Dapeng’s emergency management bureau to opt for rescue by helicopter.

Just 40 minutes after the emergency was reported, Eastern Airlines and Shenzhen University General Hospital were ready to carry out the operation, and the tourist was successfully saved. This was Shenzhen’s sixth helicopter cliff rescue.

Helicopter-based emergency rescue is also a key component of Shenzhen’s low-altitude economy. As a pilot city for this sector, Shenzhen is developing a comprehensive industry chain that includes manufacturing, flight operations, and support services, further enhancing its capacity for emergency response and innovation.