Classification, Regional Adaptation, and Emergency Applications
A brief look at all three.
The low-altitude economy in China is an emerging sector, beginning to take shape through localized initiatives and pilot projects. A key milestone in its formal development was the issuance of the Statistical Classification of Low-Altitude Economy and Its Core Industries (Trial) by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) on December 26, 2025.
This classification provides an official framework for defining and structuring China’s low-altitude economy, offering standardized definitions, identifying core industries, and establishing a reference for policy and planning.
This report examines the sector at three levels.
At the national level, it considers the role of the 2025 classification in defining and structuring the economy. At the regional level, it explores how provinces are adapting strategies to local conditions. At the operational level, it reviews two pilot projects and applications—JOUAV and Flightwin—which generate practical data for testing technology and informing future development.