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(Focus) Get Ready: Low-altitude economy is here

Source:Adsale Plastics Network Date :2025-01-24 Editor :VC
Copyright: This article was originally written/edited by Adsale Plastics Network (AdsaleCPRJ.com), republishing and excerpting are not allowed without permission. For any copyright infringement, we will pursue legal liability in accordance with the law.

China is among the fastest-growing countries in the global low-altitude economy. According to CCID Consulting, the market of this sector reached RMB 505.95 billion, experiencing a rapid rise of 33.8%. The potential for further development of China's low-altitude economy is significant. The Civil Aviation Administration of China projects that the market will grow to RMB 1.5 trillion by 2025 and RMB 3.5 trillion by 2035.


Autoflight_480.jpg

The development of low-altitude economy is significant. Notably, flying taxi has the potential to revolutionize future mobility. (Source: AutoFlight)

What is low-altitude economy

 

Low-altitude economy focuses on a range of economic activities within airspace below 1,000 meters, including passenger transport, delivery, surveying, and rescue operations, utilizing various flight vehicles. It fosters economic growth through technological innovation and industrial integration.

 

This new economic model encourages industrial development across industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, tourism, and emergency rescue. Meanwhile, it stimulates the demand for vehicle batteries, innovative materials, communication systems, and others in both the upstream and downstream supply chains, thereby boosting new quality productive forces.

 

In agricultural applications, drones are used for sowing, pest control, irrigation, and monitoring. This technology offers high precision and efficiency without landscape limitations, greatly benefiting large-scale agricultural production.

 

In China, logistics companies have established delivery routes in cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai. Drone deliveries have been fully integrated into daily life. According to the Transport Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, 77 new drone routes were introduced in 2023, bringing the total to 156 routes and surpassing 600,000 flights for the year.


Meituan_480.jpg

The collaboration of Guangdong 7-Eleven and Meituan enables the delivery of the products from convenience store by drone. (Source: Meituan)


Low-altitude economy fuels growth in thermoplastic composites

 

Among low-altitude flight vehicles, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircrafts, small drones, and certain light aircrafts are powered by electricity. To reduce weight, enhance safety, and prolong battery life, these flight vehicles require lighter, stronger, and more durable materials. Thermoplastic composite materials with outstanding performance can be pivotal in advancing the low-altitude economy, paving the way for broader applications in the future.

 

Thermoplastic composites are materials based on thermoplastic resins as a matrix, reinforced with materials such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, and aramid fiber to enhance their mechanical properties. Compared to thermosetting composites, thermoplastic composites generally exhibit higher impact resistance and toughness, while also offering more flexibility in the manufacturing process.

 

Based on the data from Stratview Research, a market intelligence company, the demand for thermoplastic composites in eVTOL aircrafts is projected to grow significantly. It is expected to increase from approximately 500 tons in 2024 to 11,750 tons by 2030, representing a remarkable 22.5-fold increase over just six years.

 

Carbon fiber reinforced plastics

 

Due to light weight, high strength, and resistance to high temperatures and corrosion, carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTP) have emerged as the main material for low-altitude flight vehicles, effectively replacing metals. Compared to conventional steel, aluminum alloys, and titanium alloys, carbon fiber composites offer at least nine times greater tensile strength and four times higher elastic modulus.

 

They also exhibit outstanding conformability to meet the requirements for complex designs. For instance, eVTOL aircrafts are given stringent requirements regarding appearance, structure, aesthetics, safety, and aerodynamics.

 

According to the data from Stratview Research, over 90% of the composites used in eVTOL aircraft are carbon fiber reinforced. Of these carbon fiber composites, 75%-80% are used in critical components, including vehicle body, wings, and propellers.


CF_1_480.jpg

Carbon fiber is a common material in low-altitude flight vehicles. (Source: TORAY)


Samson Sky plans to use carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin-based composites for its Switchblade flying sports car. This recyclable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly material offers significant advantages over traditional epoxy resin-based composites. Notably, the production waste of CFRTP can be recycled and repurposed for non-structural components, effectively reducing waste during the manufacturing process. 


XPENG AEROHT is a leading eVTOL aircraft manufacturer in China. In its X2 series, the propeller is made of layered carbon fiber, which only scratches upon collision with hard objects, ensuring flying safety is not affected. The landing gear primarily uses carbon fiber for structural strength, while glass fiber adds flexibility for vibration absorption.


X2_1.jpg

Vehicle body of X2 is made of lightweight carbon fiber reinforced materials. (Source: XPENG AEROHT)


Glass fiber reinforced plastics

 

In addition to carbon fiber composites, various materials including glass fiber composites, aramid fiber composites, and foamed plastics are used in low-altitude flight vehicles.

 

Glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites (GFRTP) possess properties such as light weight, high electrical insulation, excellent corrosion resistance, and superior transmittance. As a result, they are commonly used in aviation parts that require exceptional transmittance, including radomes and fairings.

 

In low-altitude flight vehicles, glass fiber composites are mainly used in structural parts, such as the vehicle body and wings, as well as in radomes and fairings.


LGF_480.jpg

Glass fiber composites feature high rigidity, smooth surface and high conformability. (Source: Xiamen LFT Composite Plastic)


Aramid fiber reinforced composites

 

Aramid fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites offer high strength, rigidity, temperature resistance, light weight, dimensional stability, radiation resistance, and excellent transmittance. These materials are used in high-end aviation equipment, particularly for structural parts that support heavy loading and outstanding transmittance.

 

Commonly used in the aviation sector, aramid honeycomb composites are made with aramid fiber arranged in a unique honeycomb structure inspired by nature. Through precise processing, this sandwich material achieves a lightweight design with high strength, while the outer layer is composed of carbon fiber composites.

 

Furthermore, other sandwich materials, such as foamed plastics, are used in the inner structure of low-altitude flight vehicles due to their low density, vibration absorption, and soundproof qualities. Common foamed plastics include polyurethane (PU), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

 

Shenzhen continues to propel the development of low-altitude economy

 

In December 2023, the Chinese government identified low-altitude economy as a national strategic emerging industry. In 2024, it proposed specific demands for the development of this sector. Currently, around 30 provinces in China have included the low-altitude economy in their work reports or related policies.

 

Shenzhen, in particular, is recognized as the “Drone Capital of China”. The city boasts a comprehensive supply chain for low-altitude economy, with strengths in new energy, advanced materials, and high-end equipment manufacturing. By 2026, Shenzhen plans to construct over 1,200 take-off and landing platforms for air taxis and drones. Besides, within the next three years, it will establish more than 10,000 communication base stations to support a citywide information network for the low-altitude economy.


Low_SZ_480.jpg

Shenzhen has actively supported the implementation of innovative applications across all areas of low-altitude economy. (Source: Transport Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality)


Despite the huge opportunities, the development of low-altitude economy faces challenges such as airspace management, flight safety, and the need for improved regulations. For the plastics and rubber industry, the expanding use of low-altitude flight vehicles will increase the requirements for material performance. Consequently, continuous advancements in materials research and development are necessary to keep pace with the growth of the low-altitude economy.


CHINAPLAS 2025 brings together highlights of low-altitude economy applications

 

New composites are indispensable in the advancement of low-altitude economy. CHINAPLAS 2025, the world's leading plastics and rubber trade fair, will stage at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center (Bao’an), PR China on April 15-18, 2025. 


The exhibition will join hands with over 4,000 international exhibitors, featuring innovative solutions driving the development of the low-altitude economy, including the next generation carbon fiber reinforced plastics, glass fiber reinforced plastics, aramid fiber reinforced composites, etc. This premier event offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover cutting-edge technologies and forge valuable business connections.


For more information or enquires about the show, please visit www.chinaplasonline.com.


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Aramid fiber
Glass fiber
Carbon fiber
 Tangshan Zhonghao Chemical Co., Ltd      
 HEBEI LINGSHOU COUNTYZHONGKE MINERAL POWDERCO, LTD.      
 GANSU EILITE NEW MATERIALS CO., LTD.      
 HANGZHOU JUXING NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD      
 XUCHANG XINSHENGYANG NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD      
 MOTAN TAICANG CO., LTD.      
 SUZHOU FISA HOT RUNNER TRADE CO., LTD      
 SHENZHEN YUTIAN NEW MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD      
 ZHEJIANG HONGXIANG CONNECTOR CO.,LTD.      
 SHANGHAI SUNWAY CHEMICAL CO.,LTD      
 AMOS COMPOSITES (GUANGDONG) CO., LTD      
 SUZHOU GELEFU M&E TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.      
 GUANGDONG HTASO NEW MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD      
 YONEI INNOVATIVE MATERIAL TECH LIMITED      
 Sinochem Internation Corporation      
 CATHAY (TAIYUAN) BIOMATERIAL CO., LTD.      

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Source:Adsale Plastics Network Date :2025-01-24 Editor :VC
Copyright: This article was originally written/edited by Adsale Plastics Network (AdsaleCPRJ.com), republishing and excerpting are not allowed without permission. For any copyright infringement, we will pursue legal liability in accordance with the law.

China is among the fastest-growing countries in the global low-altitude economy. According to CCID Consulting, the market of this sector reached RMB 505.95 billion, experiencing a rapid rise of 33.8%. The potential for further development of China's low-altitude economy is significant. The Civil Aviation Administration of China projects that the market will grow to RMB 1.5 trillion by 2025 and RMB 3.5 trillion by 2035.


Autoflight_480.jpg

The development of low-altitude economy is significant. Notably, flying taxi has the potential to revolutionize future mobility. (Source: AutoFlight)

What is low-altitude economy

 

Low-altitude economy focuses on a range of economic activities within airspace below 1,000 meters, including passenger transport, delivery, surveying, and rescue operations, utilizing various flight vehicles. It fosters economic growth through technological innovation and industrial integration.

 

This new economic model encourages industrial development across industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, tourism, and emergency rescue. Meanwhile, it stimulates the demand for vehicle batteries, innovative materials, communication systems, and others in both the upstream and downstream supply chains, thereby boosting new quality productive forces.

 

In agricultural applications, drones are used for sowing, pest control, irrigation, and monitoring. This technology offers high precision and efficiency without landscape limitations, greatly benefiting large-scale agricultural production.

 

In China, logistics companies have established delivery routes in cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai. Drone deliveries have been fully integrated into daily life. According to the Transport Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, 77 new drone routes were introduced in 2023, bringing the total to 156 routes and surpassing 600,000 flights for the year.


Meituan_480.jpg

The collaboration of Guangdong 7-Eleven and Meituan enables the delivery of the products from convenience store by drone. (Source: Meituan)


Low-altitude economy fuels growth in thermoplastic composites

 

Among low-altitude flight vehicles, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircrafts, small drones, and certain light aircrafts are powered by electricity. To reduce weight, enhance safety, and prolong battery life, these flight vehicles require lighter, stronger, and more durable materials. Thermoplastic composite materials with outstanding performance can be pivotal in advancing the low-altitude economy, paving the way for broader applications in the future.

 

Thermoplastic composites are materials based on thermoplastic resins as a matrix, reinforced with materials such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, and aramid fiber to enhance their mechanical properties. Compared to thermosetting composites, thermoplastic composites generally exhibit higher impact resistance and toughness, while also offering more flexibility in the manufacturing process.

 

Based on the data from Stratview Research, a market intelligence company, the demand for thermoplastic composites in eVTOL aircrafts is projected to grow significantly. It is expected to increase from approximately 500 tons in 2024 to 11,750 tons by 2030, representing a remarkable 22.5-fold increase over just six years.

 

Carbon fiber reinforced plastics

 

Due to light weight, high strength, and resistance to high temperatures and corrosion, carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTP) have emerged as the main material for low-altitude flight vehicles, effectively replacing metals. Compared to conventional steel, aluminum alloys, and titanium alloys, carbon fiber composites offer at least nine times greater tensile strength and four times higher elastic modulus.

 

They also exhibit outstanding conformability to meet the requirements for complex designs. For instance, eVTOL aircrafts are given stringent requirements regarding appearance, structure, aesthetics, safety, and aerodynamics.

 

According to the data from Stratview Research, over 90% of the composites used in eVTOL aircraft are carbon fiber reinforced. Of these carbon fiber composites, 75%-80% are used in critical components, including vehicle body, wings, and propellers.


CF_1_480.jpg

Carbon fiber is a common material in low-altitude flight vehicles. (Source: TORAY)


Samson Sky plans to use carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin-based composites for its Switchblade flying sports car. This recyclable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly material offers significant advantages over traditional epoxy resin-based composites. Notably, the production waste of CFRTP can be recycled and repurposed for non-structural components, effectively reducing waste during the manufacturing process. 


XPENG AEROHT is a leading eVTOL aircraft manufacturer in China. In its X2 series, the propeller is made of layered carbon fiber, which only scratches upon collision with hard objects, ensuring flying safety is not affected. The landing gear primarily uses carbon fiber for structural strength, while glass fiber adds flexibility for vibration absorption.


X2_1.jpg

Vehicle body of X2 is made of lightweight carbon fiber reinforced materials. (Source: XPENG AEROHT)


Glass fiber reinforced plastics

 

In addition to carbon fiber composites, various materials including glass fiber composites, aramid fiber composites, and foamed plastics are used in low-altitude flight vehicles.

 

Glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites (GFRTP) possess properties such as light weight, high electrical insulation, excellent corrosion resistance, and superior transmittance. As a result, they are commonly used in aviation parts that require exceptional transmittance, including radomes and fairings.

 

In low-altitude flight vehicles, glass fiber composites are mainly used in structural parts, such as the vehicle body and wings, as well as in radomes and fairings.


LGF_480.jpg

Glass fiber composites feature high rigidity, smooth surface and high conformability. (Source: Xiamen LFT Composite Plastic)


Aramid fiber reinforced composites

 

Aramid fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites offer high strength, rigidity, temperature resistance, light weight, dimensional stability, radiation resistance, and excellent transmittance. These materials are used in high-end aviation equipment, particularly for structural parts that support heavy loading and outstanding transmittance.

 

Commonly used in the aviation sector, aramid honeycomb composites are made with aramid fiber arranged in a unique honeycomb structure inspired by nature. Through precise processing, this sandwich material achieves a lightweight design with high strength, while the outer layer is composed of carbon fiber composites.

 

Furthermore, other sandwich materials, such as foamed plastics, are used in the inner structure of low-altitude flight vehicles due to their low density, vibration absorption, and soundproof qualities. Common foamed plastics include polyurethane (PU), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

 

Shenzhen continues to propel the development of low-altitude economy

 

In December 2023, the Chinese government identified low-altitude economy as a national strategic emerging industry. In 2024, it proposed specific demands for the development of this sector. Currently, around 30 provinces in China have included the low-altitude economy in their work reports or related policies.

 

Shenzhen, in particular, is recognized as the “Drone Capital of China”. The city boasts a comprehensive supply chain for low-altitude economy, with strengths in new energy, advanced materials, and high-end equipment manufacturing. By 2026, Shenzhen plans to construct over 1,200 take-off and landing platforms for air taxis and drones. Besides, within the next three years, it will establish more than 10,000 communication base stations to support a citywide information network for the low-altitude economy.


Low_SZ_480.jpg

Shenzhen has actively supported the implementation of innovative applications across all areas of low-altitude economy. (Source: Transport Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality)


Despite the huge opportunities, the development of low-altitude economy faces challenges such as airspace management, flight safety, and the need for improved regulations. For the plastics and rubber industry, the expanding use of low-altitude flight vehicles will increase the requirements for material performance. Consequently, continuous advancements in materials research and development are necessary to keep pace with the growth of the low-altitude economy.


CHINAPLAS 2025 brings together highlights of low-altitude economy applications

 

New composites are indispensable in the advancement of low-altitude economy. CHINAPLAS 2025, the world's leading plastics and rubber trade fair, will stage at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center (Bao’an), PR China on April 15-18, 2025. 


The exhibition will join hands with over 4,000 international exhibitors, featuring innovative solutions driving the development of the low-altitude economy, including the next generation carbon fiber reinforced plastics, glass fiber reinforced plastics, aramid fiber reinforced composites, etc. This premier event offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover cutting-edge technologies and forge valuable business connections.


For more information or enquires about the show, please visit www.chinaplasonline.com.


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(Focus) Get Ready: Low-altitude economy is here

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