News Briefs: Low-Altitude Economy Highlights
A look at recent developments over September and early October.
News comes fast—and sometimes there’s nowhere for it to land.
Today’s roundup aims to bring coherence to the hodgepodge -- highlighting recent policy shifts and industry milestones shaping China’s low-altitude landscape.
Let’s get into it.
Summary
Hainan
Hainan has passed new tourism regulations encouraging low-altitude aviation activities such as sightseeing flights and air sports, alongside plans for new takeoff and landing facilities to boost tourism diversity.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong advances its low-altitude economy with 17 pilot projects now active, new communication infrastructure planned, and a next-gen “Regulatory Sandbox X” set to launch.
Yangtze River
China introduced its first navigation safety framework for drone deliveries along the Yangtze River, establishing standards for qualifications, coordination, and emergency management.
Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region
Hydrogen Aviation Technology inked a cooperation deal to expand hydrogen energy applications in North China, building on certified fuel cell products and large-scale production capacity.
Beijing
Beijing authorities have banned the unregistered “China Low-Altitude Economy Alliance” for illegal operations under social organization laws.
China AOPA
China AOPA conducted a technical review of new draft standards for Class G airspace efficiency and safety monitoring at low-altitude sites, advancing standardized oversight.
Ministry of Justice
China’s Ministry of Justice plans stronger legislation for emerging sectors, including the low-altitude economy, under a dual approach of comprehensive and agile rulemaking.
Outdoor and Low-Altitude Sports
Beijing’s new policy blueprint targets expansion of outdoor and low-altitude sports, aiming to grow the sports industry beyond 7 trillion yuan by 2030 through cross-sector development and consumption incentives.
Propulsion run-up on the R6000 tiltrotor. Video: United Aircraft
Hainan Promotes Development of Low-Altitude Tourism and Infrastructure
October 10, 2025 —Hainan Province is encouraging the growth of low-altitude tourism, according to the recently passed Hainan Free Trade Port Tourism Regulations. Approved by the Standing Committee of the Hainan Provincial People’s Congress on September 30, 2025, the regulations will take effect on December 1, 2025.
The new regulations, which include nine chapters and 68 articles, establish systematic guidelines covering tourism planning, resource protection, industry development, internationalization, safety, and supervision.
Among the provisions, Hainan is promoting low-altitude tourism activities, including sightseeing flights, flight performances, training programs, competitive events, and recreational air sports.
The regulations specifically highlight opportunities for tourism projects involving helicopters, gliders, hot air balloons, skydiving, paragliding, powered paragliders, and tow paragliders.
To support initiatives, the regulations also encourage the construction of takeoff and landing facilities for low-altitude aircraft in areas with suitable conditions, such as major tourist attractions and stations along the island-circling tourist highway.
The goal is to diversify the forms of tourism and enhance the overall visitor experience in the low-altitude sector.
