Low-altitude economy’s ambitions collide with lack of drone pilots

Eyeing a more lucrative job in the logistics sector, Bai Wuhen has risen to the occasion by embarking on a full-time training programme in Shenzhen, China’s “drone capital”, with the aim of obtaining an operator’s licence and taking his career to new heights.

The 28-year-old, who previously worked in the hotel industry, wants to be able to pilot medium-sized drones beyond visual range, a skill that is in heavy demand in China’s burgeoning drone delivery sector.

“I want to be professional, especially as the sector is being standardised,” he said. “Getting a licence is the first step.”

Demand for remote pilot certificates is increasing as Chinese workers and graduates pursue emerging jobs related to drone operation amid Beijing’s encouragement of the low-altitude economy, which is being seen as a new growth driver for the world’s second-largest economy.

“I find drones really cool,” he said. “They combine with technologies in many different areas, such as agriculture and mapping.”