Guangdong introduces 16 measures to support the high-quality development of the low-altitude economy

On 24 October, the General Office of the Guangdong Provincial People's Government issued the ‘Several Measures of Guangdong Province to Support the High-Quality Development of the Low-Altitude Economy’ (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Measures’). The Measures comprise 16 supportive initiatives covering multiple aspects including low-altitude safety, research and development, airworthiness certification, infrastructure, and application scenarios. They aim to establish Guangdong as a nationally leading hub for the low-altitude economy industry, thereby fostering new momentum and competitive advantages for development.

The Measures support enterprises and institutions operating low-altitude economy businesses in Guangdong Province. They shall take effect from the date of promulgation and remain valid for three years. Where entities qualify under both the Measures and other Guangdong provincial policies, support shall be provided in accordance with the principle of ‘selecting the most favourable, highest level of support without duplication’.

The Measures propose accelerating breakthroughs in core technologies, focusing on key areas such as new-configuration aircraft, critical components, foundational software, and low-altitude flight support. A selection mechanism and organisational model for key core technology projects in the low-altitude domain shall be established, incorporating technologically innovative and commercially valuable directions into the provincial key-area R&D programme for support.

Regarding the much-anticipated development of low-altitude infrastructure, the Measures propose increasing provincial-level financial support for the construction of public low-altitude service infrastructure. They aim to strengthen the integration of low-altitude infrastructure with the comprehensive transport system, encouraging prefectures and cities to incorporate low-altitude infrastructure alongside associated land use and electricity provision into public infrastructure development. This approach reserves essential resources for future expansion.

Beyond encouraging low-altitude cultural tourism and air transport operations, the Measures also propose further resource integration and collaborative development of emergency rescue aircraft bases, transfer facilities, and networks of fixed and temporary landing sites. This aims to establish an aviation emergency rescue infrastructure system capable of responding to all disaster types, with village and town landing sites constructed as required.