We are delighted to share that Prof. Wen-Hua Chen, Chair Professor of Robotics and Autonomous Systems and Director of the Research Centre for Low-Altitude Economy at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), and Prof. Wei Liu, Professor and Associate Head of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE) at PolyU, have published an insightful article titled “China’s low-altitude economy takes off amid challenges” on East Asia Forum.
China’s low-altitude economy — encompassing drones, eVTOL aircraft and the infrastructure to support them — has impressive industrial momentum, with 3.3 million registered civil drones completing 45.3 million flight hours in 2025. But the transition from technological potential to reliable routine commercial operations requires aircraft technology, airspace management and ground infrastructure to mature together rather than in isolation. Applications with clear operational advantages such as agricultural drones, medical delivery and emergency response will scale first, while wider visions like urban air taxis face longer paths through technological improvement, regulatory adjustment and public acceptance.
For more information about the article, please visit the East Asia Forum official website.
| Research Units | Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy | Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering |
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