Two landmark initiatives to drive low-altitude economy were unveiled at the first International Conference on Urban Low-Altitude Transportation, which opened Thursday at Beijing Daxing Airport City, as the zone positions itself as a global hub for low-altitude technologies.

A standards specification framework for civil unmanned aircraft systems is released at the first International Conference on Urban Low-Altitude Transportation in Beijing, Sept. 25, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Aviation officials, technology companies and scholars from around the world gathered to discuss business models, emerging technologies and regulations for urban air mobility systems.

China's low-altitude economy has gained momentum after being featured in national government work reports for two straight years as a priority sector for developing new quality productive forces.

The construction of an urban low-altitude transportation supply chain service system is launched at the first International Conference on Urban Low-Altitude Transportation in Beijing, Sept. 25, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Two landmark initiatives were launched at the conference: a standards specification framework for civil unmanned aircraft systems and the kickoff of the construction of an urban low-altitude transportation supply chain service system. The measures aim to help establish industry guidelines, cut costs and boost operational efficiency.

"The two projects mark a year of progress since the Urban Air Mobility Committee of the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics (CSAA) settled in Daxing," Yin Shijun, vice chairman of the CSAA, said. "We will continue to advance academic exchange, standards development, and policy research to help build a high-quality national urban air mobility ecosystem."

During the keynote session, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and other authorities shared insights on airworthiness certification for low-altitude aircraft. Nearly 10 international and domestic companies joined discussions on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, low-altitude logistics, and safety management.

The conference also served as an international exchange platform for low-altitude technology companies, offering perspectives on frontier technologies and practical applications.

In recent years, BDAC has accelerated efforts to become a hub for low-altitude aviation testing. The zone partnered with CAAC, the Civil Aviation University of China, and the CAAC’s Airworthiness Certification Center to establish a civil aviation innovation base while signing cooperation deals with Xiong’an New Area in Hebei province and the Tianjin Free Trade Zone to strengthen collaboration in low-altitude development.

The airport zone plans to capitalize on its strategic location and policy advantages to become a globally influential hub for low-altitude technologies, attracting international companies and top researchers.