China’s low-altitude economy is taking off. In recent years, this sector has seen explosive growth, bringing various aircraft into the public sphere and fueling a boom in drone training.

Hangzhou, a pilot city for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, recently showcased this potential with the inaugural flight of a new model. The aircraft, weighing a mere 110 kilograms, demonstrated a top speed of 70 km/h and a flight endurance of 30 minutes. Perhaps most impressively, its stability and user-friendly controls allow beginners to grasp the basics in about ten minutes.

The applications for these vehicles are vast, spanning agriculture, tourism, logistics, and more. Consequently, skilled drone operators are becoming a critically needed workforce. At drone training schools in Hangzhou, students are already immersing themselves in theoretical knowledge, hands-on practice, and flight path planning. Many are betting that a drone pilot’s license will soon rank among the most valuable credentials for in future job market.