Shanghai unveils ambitious ‘City of Sky’ plan for low-altitude industry by 2027

Shanghai has announced an ambitious plan to establish itself as a global leader in the low-altitude aviation industry, aiming to create a ‘City of Sky’ over the next three years. The plan, detailed in the municipal government’s action plan for 2024-2027, sets a target for the core industrial scale to exceed 50 billion yuan (approximately $7 billion) by 2027.

The initiative aims to develop a comprehensive low-altitude economic ecosystem that includes research and development, design, manufacturing and commercial applications of new low-altitude aircraft. By 2027, Shanghai has announced that it plans to establish a complete industrial system that covers the entire lifecycle of low-altitude aviation, from airworthiness testing to operation services.

Shanghai’s strategy positions the city at the forefront of global low-altitude economic innovation, with the goal of becoming an internationally recognised hub for this emerging sector. In addition to its local efforts, Shanghai will collaborate with cities across the Yangtze River Delta region to create a network of low-altitude aviation-enabled cities. This collaboration is intended to establish a national demonstration area for the low-altitude economic industry.

The plan includes support for companies involved in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, industrial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and the development of new energy-powered general aviation aircraft. The action plan also outlines efforts to continuously improve infrastructure, develop iconic products and expand commercial applications to support the growth of the industry.

Shanghai‘s ‘City of Sky’ initiative reflects the city’s commitment to leading in the high-tech, innovative sectors of the global economy, with a focus on establishing a sustainable and forward-looking low-altitude aviation industry.