DJI sales hit by tighter Chinese government regulations on drone flight safety

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DJI, which dominates 70 per cent of the world’s drone market, admitted that its sales have fallen after tougher flight safety regulations were announced. Photo: Dickson Lee

Li Taoin Shenzhen

Published: 9:19pm, 24 May 2017Updated: 9:19pm, 24 May 2017

DJI, the world’s largest maker of recreational drones, has denied reports saying the Chinese company is considering leaving its home market due to stringent regulations on drone flight safety.

The Shenzhen-based drone-maker nevertheless admitted it has experienced sales declines in the domestic mainland market in recent days after the country’s civil aviation watchdog issued a ruling that all civil-use drones weighing more than 250g have to be registered online starting June 1.

“DJI has never considered exiting the Chinese market,” Shao Jianhuo, DJI’s vice-president, said on Tuesday.

However, according to media reports citing Shao speaking at a government meeting, DJI would consider moving its company and entire business abroad if domestic regulations on illegal drone flights caused unexpected impact to the company.

Shao said on Tuesday that he was quoted out of context in these reports, adding that DJI is not against supervision but has actively supported supervision in scientific and effective ways.

On May 16 the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) introduced a real-name registration policy for drone owners after more than 240 airline flights were disrupted by drones flying near Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport in April.