AI Digest Pending…
On May 20, China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) held its May press conference. At the meeting, Li Chao, Deputy Director of the NDRC Policy Research Office and spokesperson, stated that the commission will categorize and orderly expand low-altitude economy application scenarios, strictly crack down on "black flights" (hei fei), and guide the rational industrial layout and orderly expansion of application scenarios.
Li Chao explained that the CPC Central Committee and the State Council attach great importance to the safe and healthy development of the low-altitude economy and have specifically deployed plans to expand its application scenarios in an orderly manner. In recent years, relevant departments and local governments have actively explored low-altitude economic models, including low-altitude tourism, in line with practical development needs. However, safety risks in low-altitude flights remain significant and cannot be overlooked. It must be emphasized that safety is the foremost prerequisite for the development of the low-altitude economy.
Li Chao noted that, in accordance with the national deployment, the NDRC will collaborate with relevant departments to expand low-altitude economy application scenarios under the principles of "cargo before passengers, isolated operations before integrated operations, and suburban areas before urban districts," strictly controlling risks and ensuring safety. Efforts will be made to steadily advance low-altitude consumption sectors such as low-altitude tourism, aerial sports, and consumer-grade drones.
In practice, the commission will adhere to the principles of local adaptation and gradual progress, strengthen safety governance, clarify the regulatory responsibilities of local governments, industry management departments, and corporate entities, and standardize effective pilot programs. It will strictly crack down on "black flights" involving unlicensed pilots, low-altitude aircraft without airworthiness certificates, and unapproved flight activities, guiding the rational industrial layout and orderly expansion of application scenarios.
Regarding low-altitude cultural tourism accidents that occurred in some regions during the May Day holiday, Li Chao emphasized that the NDRC is urging local governments and relevant departments to thoroughly investigate safety risks and hazards, properly handle accidents, and implement corrective measures. Simultaneously, the NDRC will collaborate with relevant departments to learn from these incidents, insisting that "effective regulation must precede deregulation." Efforts will continue to deepen reforms in low-altitude flight safety supervision, improve rules and regulations, further refine the low-altitude safety regulatory responsibility system, strengthen industry access and process supervision, and promote the safe and healthy development of the low-altitude economy.
