As cities grapple with congestion and the need for greener transportation options, the low-altitude economy (LAE), driven by advancements in advanced air mobility (AAM), is emerging as a transformative solution.
The LAE encompasses economic activities conducted in airspace below 1,000 meters, facilitated by innovative AAM technologies. Central to this shift are electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which leverage AAM capabilities to combine the features of drones, helicopters, and conventional aircraft, enabling efficient movement of people and goods in urban environments. Powered by Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP) and advanced battery systems, eVTOLs offer a cleaner alternative to traditional transport – reducing carbon emissions and noise pollution while easing congestion.
AECOM is at the forefront of this innovation, collaborating closely with industry and policy stakeholders worldwide to leverage our expertise in optimizing eVTOL operations and facilitate their effective integration into urban landscapes.
The Greater Bay Area in particular is becoming a key testing ground for eVTOL innovation. Driving this momentum has been the recent launch of Hong Kong’s ‘Low-altitude Economy Regulatory Sandbox’ and legislative amendments that enable the city to trial eVTOL applications. There is also the opportunity to connect to the 1,200 eVTOL take-off and landing points planned in Shenzhen by the end of 2026, fostering closer integration and collaboration across the region.
From green logistics and commuting to city management and emergency response, eVTOLs can support a more resilient and low-carbon urban future. For further insights on the application of the LAE in Hong Kong, read our article here. Steven Lui, AECOM’s Technical Director, Traffic and Transport Planning, and president of the Society for the Intelligent Transportation Systems Hong Kong (ITS-HK), will also be discussing this topic at ReThink 2025.