Summary of Key Highlights
The 2026 International Low-Altitude Economy Expo was held in Shanghai, showcasing the latest advancements in the low-altitude economy:
- New aircraft models were unveiled, such as the Yufeng Future M1 air ambulance prototype;
- Commercialization scenarios are accelerating, with applications in medical rescue and logistics transportation;
- Shanghai has established a complete industrial chain, covering everything from research and development to operation and airworthiness certification services;
- Leading companies are relocating their headquarters or manufacturing bases to Shanghai, driving the low-altitude economy towards practical and scaled development.
1. Air Ambulances: Making Emergency Services Faster and More Affordable
The Yufeng Future M1 air ambulance was a highlight of the exhibition. It is an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for emergency rescue, developed in collaboration with Ruijin Hospital in Shanghai.
- Performance Specifications: Maximum takeoff weight of 2.5 tons, pure electric range of 250 kilometers, cruising speed of 200 kilometers per hour, and capacity to carry 700 kilograms (enough for emergency equipment and patients).
- Cost Comparison: Traditional helicopter rescue services cost between 30,000 and 70,000 yuan per hour, out of reach for most people; the operating cost of the M1 is only 15% of that of helicopters, and it could potentially be reduced to around 1,000 yuan per hour. For example, a flight from Ruijin Jinshan Hospital to Huangpu Hospital would take 90 minutes by ground, but just 15 minutes with the M1, meeting the critical “golden 15-minute” time frame for emergency responses.
- Next Steps: The team plans to optimize the medical equipment on board (such as defibrillators and ventilators suitable for aerial use) and continue developing the prototype, aiming to create a “10-15-minute urban emergency response network” in collaboration with Ruijin Hospital.
2. Logistics: Low-Altitude Solutions Beyond Medical Applications
Many companies are also exploring low-altitude applications in logistics:
- Fengfei Aviation + SF Express: They have developed a solution for the challenges of remote offshore wind farms (long distances, slow transportation, and difficult inspections) by using eVTOLs to deliver supplies and personnel or inspect wind turbines, improving efficiency.
- Shuangxi Base + YTO Express: They have launched low-altitude logistics flights in Minhang, Shanghai, with plans to expand this service to other regions in the long term. This approach aims to integrate multiple modes of transport (e.g., drones, railways, and sea shipping) to address shortcomings in traditional logistics, such as slow delivery in remote areas. They are also working on establishing industry standards for drone operations and setting up drone delivery infrastructure.
3. Shanghai: Building a Strong Foundation for the Low-Altitude Economy
Shanghai has already established a comprehensive low-altitude economy industrial chain, covering all aspects from components (avionics, flight control systems, materials) to aircraft manufacturing, airworthiness certification, and operational services:
- Airworthiness Certification Services: The “Shanghai Low-Altitude Airworthiness Technology Platform” was launched at the expo, providing technical support, testing, and consulting to help companies obtain flight permits more quickly.
- Airspace Resources: The Shuangxi Base in Minhang offers 14.2 square kilometers of dedicated airspace for drone and eVTOL trials and landings, which is essential for verifying aircraft models and obtaining airworthiness certifications.
- Company Concentration: Approximately 50% of the leading eVTOL companies in China are based in Shanghai, including Fengfei, Yufeng Future, and Wolant, all of which are making progress with airworthiness certification, with potential breakthroughs expected by 2027.
4. Companies Choosing Shanghai as Their Home Base
More and more eVTOL companies are choosing to locate their headquarters or manufacturing bases in Shanghai:
- Shi Shi Technology: They have signed an agreement with the Minhang Xinzhuang Industrial Zone to set up R&D, manufacturing, airworthiness testing, and sales facilities in Shanghai. This is the first leading eVTOL company to establish a manufacturing base in the city, which will support the development of related industries (components, flight control systems, etc.).
- Wolant: They have located their global R&D headquarters in the Minhang Hongqiao Technology Oasis, taking advantage of Shanghai’s industrial resources, policy support, and growth potential.
Conclusion
Shanghai is transforming the low-altitude economy from a concept into reality. New aircraft models are solving practical problems in medical and logistics sectors, while industrial chains and service platforms are enabling companies to scale up quickly. With leading companies gathering here, the potential for low-altitude flight applications (e.g., emergency services, drone deliveries, and wind farm inspections) is becoming increasingly tangible. In the future, low-altitude transportation could become a regular part of our lives.