China's first low-altitude economy service window is set up in the Optics Valley of China. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

On April 29, the East Lake High-tech Development Zone (also known as Optics Valley of China, or OVC) held a news conference to announce the establishment of China's first low-altitude economy service window.

This service window is supported by various stakeholders, including drone industry associations, related technology companies, and research institutions from universities, aiming to provide convenient in-person services for enterprises and the public, offering a comprehensive range of services such as drone registration, event applications, airspace filing, and other related consultations and assistance.

The service window has established communication channels with aviation management and public security departments to facilitate convenient event filing and coordination for activities like drone patrols, inspections, aerial photography, and emergency response for relevant enterprises.

According to the China Low-Altitude Economy Development Research Report 2024 released by the China Center for Information Industry Development of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in April, it is projected that China's low-altitude economy will exceed 1 trillion yuan ($141 billion) by 2026. In 2022, the valley established the first national low-altitude shared drone application demonstration area.

On the same day, the OVC Branch of the Hubei (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) UAV Industry Association was officially licensed.