All clear for takeoff: China’s mid-low altitude economy is booming.
There's no doubt that China's mid-low altitude economy, which encompasses a wide range of commercial activities carried out within the airspace below 1,000 metres, is booming. With regulators and government policy backing in place, the sector is expected to value more than $140 million by 2026, according to a report by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) affiliated research institute. In Asia, Japan has committed to launching eVtol commercial flights for the 2025 World Expo in Osaka. South Korea also plans to introduce commercial air taxi services in 2025. Companies throughout the world are optimistic about this thriving market potential.
Drone delivery of parcels and flying taxis for everyday commutes are just a few examples of the many possibilities expected to benefit from this strong demand. Many believe the mid-low altitude economy will transform transportation, logistics, manufacturing, and aviation operations.
The continuous improvement of support services for mid-low altitude flights, such as more automated permission processes and air traffic management, as well as initiatives to improve the uncrewed aircraft certification system, are key drivers of the growth.
Smart mobility in numbers
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$37.89bn
The APAC Electric Vehicle Charging Station Market is predicted to grow from $11.41 billion in 2024 to $37.89 billion by 2029*.
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37%
In China, electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for 37% of the new car market in 2023**
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$140m
With regulators and government policy backing in place, the sector is expected to expand to more than $140 million by 2026***
From fantasy to reality: The future of electrification and self-driving vehicles
For years, automakers around the world have promised an electrified and self-driving future, which is now becoming a reality. The APAC Electric Vehicle Charging Station Market is predicted to grow from $11.41 billion in 2024 to $37.89 billion by 2029*. In China, electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for 37% of the new car market in 2023**. The country is expanding its automobile sector's horizons by viewing it as more than simply transportation, leveraging artificial intelligence and data to propel the industry into a new era.
As autonomy, connectivity, electrification, and sustainability become the industry's primary focus, the concept of a "smart vehicle" goes beyond the car itself to encompass smart production, smart infrastructure, and smart networking behind the scenes. Regulation, technology, and commercial developments are accelerating the development of electrification and self-driving cars, to transform them into fully intelligent and connected vehicles.
***According to a report by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) affiliated research institute.
Smart Mobility Summit
It is time for mobility companies and suppliers to review their strategies and get ahead of the rapidly changing environment. Join us in this session to learn about the new age of autonomous driving and electric vehicle development. Industry experts will give unique insights into innovative connectivity solutions, commercial opportunities, and standardization that have led to significant industry development.
In this session, we will explore the mid-low attitude economy's potential and how mobile operators may help boost this growing business. Experts in the area will lead lively conversations, discussing practical case studies, potential business models and sharing firsthand expertise with the audience.
More Details Coming Soon!
Smart mobility thought leadership from across the GSMA
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Advanced air mobility
Advanced air mobility, will undoubtedly be the most innovative area of smart mobility in the coming years. With mobile services being a key enabler for both UAVs and eVTOL, we anticipate seeing the first operational eVTOL flights both in Europe and in Asia by 2024.
Find out about the GSMA’s work in this area including the Drone Interest Group (DIG) and Aerial Connectivity Joint Activity (ACJA)Explore Advanced Air Mobility
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Automotive
The connected vehicle market is one of the highest growth areas in the IoT, delivering the biggest impact on the safety of citizens and thus creating huge revenue opportunities for the mobile and automotive industries.
Read about the GSMA’s work in this area including C-V2X technologies.Explore automotive
Get involved with Smart Mobility @MWC Shanghai
This is the place for mobility innovators to showcase your vision and ambition to industry leaders and learn how 5G is transforming the future of the entire mobility ecosystem. Find out how you can participate and discover the benefits for your business.