ACI APAC & MID advocates for development of Advanced Air Mobility

2024-07-10

In June 2022, Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issued the 14th Five-Year Plan for General Aviation Development, which contains the roadmap for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) development, particularly, the development of the low-altitude economy, which refers to a comprehensive realm of industries center around civil-manned and unmanned aerial vehicles below 3,000 metres in altitude, including manufacturing, flight operations, and other integrated services.

Recognising its potential as a significant economic driver, China has been actively promoting the development of low-altitude economy. In 2023, it was identified as a key strategic emerging industry during the Central Economic Work Conference. This initiative was also further highlighted in the current year's government work report as a catalyst for economic growth.

According to the CAAC, the low-altitude economy's value exceeded CNY 500 billion (USD 68 billion) in 2023. Projections indicate that by 2030, this sector could expand to a scale of CNY 2 trillion (USD 275 billion). This ambitious growth reflects China's commitment to harnessing the low-altitude economy as a new engine for economic expansion .

ACI APAC & MID contributes to International Smart Airport Development Forum

In line with this these national priorities, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID) was honored to be invited to share its position on AAM in the 12th International Smart Airport Development Forum 2024 took place in Shanghai, China between 4th and 5th July 2024. This event had around 250 delegates from airports, airlines, research institutes, software and hardware suppliers and manufacturers, and was generous hosted by Shanghai Society of Aeronautics and Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics, with the support from Shanghai Airport Authority, Galleon, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) and other esteemed aviation entities from China.

Our Senior Manager, Economics, Mr. Philip Kwok delivered an insightful presentation on the enormous opportunities for airports to integrate AAM into their master plans and business models. Philip also highlighted China’s active and progressive steps taken to develop its low-altitude economy would become a fine example for many markets to reference.

This event reflected China’s active and progressive approach in building world class airport infrastructure through the application of technology to enhance safety and security, improve on-time performance, optimise human and capital resource allocation, enable personalised customer services and reduce carbon footprint.

ACI APAC & MID continues to lead the way in advocating for AAM and supporting the growth of the low-altitude economy across Asia-Pacific and Middle East by engaging in dialogues with airports, regulators, industry associations, and institutions.