Shandong unveils ambitious plan for low-altitude economy

Shandong province released its three-year action plan for high-quality development of low-altitude economy (2025–2027). The plan outlines ambitious goals to position Shandong as a leader in this field.

By 2027, the province aims to have its low-altitude economy reach 100 billion yuan ($13.8 billion), which will establish a new development pattern led by Jinan and Qingdao with support points in cities like Dongying, Yantai, Weifang, Rizhao, Binzhou, and Linyi.

As of 2023, Shandong's 22 general airports rank it sixth nationally. The province has 239 low-altitude flight takeoff and landing platforms, and features 1,409 commercial drone enterprises, ranking third nationwide. Shandong is home to 417 enterprises engaged in the research, development, and manufacturing of general aviation aircraft, drones, engines, components, and aviation materials.

The plan further outlines the development of a provincial integrated flight service station and at least three municipal low-altitude flight management service platforms by 2027. It also aims to establish over 15 national and provincial innovation platforms and create more than 10 benchmark application scenarios. It also plans to cultivate at least 10 industry-leading enterprises, 100 innovative SMEs, and specialized and sophisticated enterprises.

To achieve these goals, Shandong will focus on: creating a leading nationwide integrated low-altitude flight service system, advancing the low-altitude economy through new tech, and establishing low-altitude economic headquarters clusters and industry integration development zones.