Low-Altitude Economy: About to Take Off, Metal Materials Are Key!

On August 26, another major boost was received in the low-altitude economy sector—Volant Aviation and Agricultural Bank Financial Leasing signed a 3-billion-yuan aircraft purchase confirmation, securing its VE25-100 eVTOL orders. This led to a significant rise in low-altitude economy concept stocks such as Tefa Information, with market enthusiasm and industry expectations soaring in tandem.

China's low-altitude economy is accelerating from its cultivation period to an explosive growth phase. On the policy front, the "General Aviation Equipment Innovation Application Implementation Plan (2024-2030)" issued by four ministries including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology clearly specifies the goal of a trillion-yuan market by 2030. The National Development and Reform Commission has newly established the "Low-altitude Economic Development Department" to strengthen industry momentum through top-level design.

Technological innovation and product breakthroughs lay the foundation for the industry. The number of registered civil drones has exceeded one million units, and industrial-grade products have been widely used in fields such as agricultural protection and logistics delivery—pesticide spraying efficiency has increased several times, and urban instant delivery and cross-regional transportation of materials are gradually becoming the norm. The eVTOL track is equally impressive, with companies like EHang and XPeng HT Aero accelerating airworthiness certification. Shenzhen's first cross-city eVTOL route has become a benchmark for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) practice, and features like vertical takeoff and landing and low noise provide new solutions for alleviating ground congestion.

Infrastructure and technical support are being improved simultaneously. The 5G-A network covers the low-altitude field, promoting the construction of the intelligent network and enhancing the communication, navigation, and environmental sensing capabilities of aircraft. General airports, take-off and landing fields, and route networks are accelerating their layout, forming a "main-branch-node" three-tier system and paving the way for large-scale operations.

Application scenarios are continuously expanding: companies like Meituan and SF Express are increasing their investment in drone logistics, building efficient delivery networks. Low-altitude tourism is on the rise, with distinctive aerial sightseeing at scenic spots becoming new traffic entry points. In emergency rescue, drones quickly complete disaster monitoring and material delivery, significantly improving response efficiency.

It is noteworthy that demand for metal materials as the "hard support" of the industry is surging. Aluminum alloys, due to their lightweight and high strength characteristics, are widely used in fuselage frames. Titanium alloys, with their high-temperature resistance, have become the core materials for engines and landing gear. High-performance lithium metal batteries, through electrode and electrolyte optimization, help eVTOLs improve endurance and load capacity. The mutual drive of material technology breakthroughs and industry demand is accelerating the formation of a "technology-industry" positive cycle.

With the coordinated advancement of policies, technology, scenarios, and infrastructure, the low-altitude economy is expected to occupy a more critical position in the national economy, becoming a new engine for economic growth.