An aerial view of the East Hongqiao area in Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat ID: shchangning]
Shanghai is charting a bold course for its low-altitude economy, aiming for a core industry scale exceeding 50 billion yuan ($6.9 billion) by 2027.
The city's plan includes actions such as cultivating leading enterprises, building infrastructure, and supporting essential services, with the ultimate goal of establishing a complete industrial system for low-altitude aircraft and positioning the city as a global leader.
As it strives to become a hub for the low-altitude economy in the Yangtze River Delta region, Changning district, particularly its East Hongqiao area, is spearheading this initiative with a strategic "1+2+3+4" layout.
The layout involves building a low-altitude economy industrial park, feeding off growth from two sectors — the headquarters and digital economies, gradually developing three application scenarios in general aviation, logistics, and cultural tourism, and establishing four key centers focusing on airworthiness, innovation, talent training, and support, respectively.
The East Hongqiao area is Shanghai's sole aerotropolis demonstration zone. It is home to the headquarters of airlines such as China Eastern Airlines, Spring Airlines, and Jet Aviation, along with key aviation institutions, forming a significant aviation industry cluster. The area has also put great emphasis on airworthiness certification and air traffic management, which are essential for industry growth.
