2025, seems like a big year of the low-altitude economy, with “air taxis” and drones, offering solutions and challenges in managing dynamic airspace, heralding a promising future.
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The Era of Low-Altitude Economy
I still vividly recall the early days of electric cars, when people humorously likened their near-silent operation to ghostly encounters during nighttime drives. Beyond their intriguing quietness, electric vehicles bring forth the remarkable benefits of clean energy and autonomous driving. However, as we gaze from ground level to the skies above, a new era of the “low-altitude economy” is swiftly approaching, with the impending introduction of commercial “air taxis” within the next two to three years.
Applications of eVTOL Solutions
Joby Aviation, for instance, envisions a future where passengers can travel from JFK Airport to downtown Manhattan in just seven minutes by 2025, promising emissions-free and noiseless journeys.
On October 13 of this year, the Civil Aviation Administration of China granted a type certificate (TC) to EHang’s intelligent EH216-S manned-unmanned aircraft, paving the way for the forthcoming trial operation of eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft) in China by 2025.
Similarly, in the Tokyo Bay Area, a consortium comprising SkyDrive, Honda, and Toyota is collaborating to advance eVTOL technology. Their ambitious plan involves debuting advanced air traffic services at the 2025 Osaka World Expo, with the ultimate goal of achieving full commercialization of eVTOL air taxis and heavy-duty cargo drones by 2030.
Indeed, the impending arrival of “air taxis” in 2025 appears poised to ignite a global eVTOL revolution, further propelling the development of the burgeoning “low-altitude economy.”
What Exactly is a Low-Altitude Economy?
The “low-altitude economy” is centered around low-altitude airspace, encompassing altitudes typically less than 1,000 meters from the ground level, with the flexibility to extend up to 4,000 meters based on regional characteristics and specific needs. This economic concept thrives on both manned and unmanned aircraft activities, driven primarily by the general aviation sector, and encompasses a wide array of industries, including low-altitude flight, air tourism, regional passenger transportation, general aviation services, scientific research, and education. It embodies a comprehensive economic model characterized by potent ripple effects and a lengthy industrial supply chain.
The concept of the “air taxi” is just one facet of the multifaceted low-altitude economy, which also encompasses drone express delivery, small aircraft navigation, aerial firefighting drones, and more. For instance, the TD550 emergency rescue drone, produced by Wuhu United Aircraft Technology Co., Ltd., can perform critical medical and rescue missions in scenarios ranging from forest fire patrols and plateau material transport to wilderness rescues and urban medical emergencies.
Challenges of Air Taxis
While these new applications promise solutions to many societal challenges and needs, they also bring forth anticipated challenges. Wang Shafei, an academician of the International Academy of Astronautics, highlights that the emergence of drones has presented significant demands and challenges for air control. Foremost among these challenges is the management of low-altitude, high-capacity dynamic flight airspace.
As we marvel at these technological breakthroughs, it’s worth pondering the future cityscape filled with a variety of aircraft. Will we long for the days when we could gaze up at clear blue skies and fluffy white clouds? Regardless, maintaining hope is a positive sign, and the journey forward is best navigated one step at a time.
Extended Readings
话你知/什么是“低空经济”？
http://www.takungpao.com/news/232108/2023/1206/920088.html
Joby shows off electric air taxis in New York, targeting 2025 launch date
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231207602834/en/Joby-ANA-Holdings-Partner-with-Nomura-Real-Estate-Development-for-Vertiports-in-Japan
低空经济迎来重大发展机遇，先进空中交通该如何发展？
https://36kr.com/p/2476915167074432
低空经济能否“凭空起飞”？
http://ah.news.cn/20231031/26a20301860d4210b95d37db41e533ce/c.html
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Personally, I enjoyed the photojournalism aspect of it, as it just as easily could have been another paint-by-numbers war film. It also shows a potential future where each side reaches their breaking point and conflict does ensue.
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