China’s booming low-altitude economy spurs demand for ‘drone flight planners’
Beijing eyes growth in the emerging sector, but industry faces a severe talent shortage
The role is among 17 newly designated occupations announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, alongside positions such as cross-border e-commerce operation manager and elderly care service worker.
“The newly designated profession of a drone flight planner primarily involves planning multi-drone flight paths, developing flight plans and missions, and managing operations on-site,” said Wang Xiaojun, deputy director of the ministry’s Department of Vocational Capacity Building, according to the state-run Science and Technology Daily.
“These roles attract many tech-savvy and creative young people,” Wang added.
Beijing has classified the low-altitude economy – encompassing manned and unmanned activities up to 1,000 metres (3,280 feet) – as a strategic emerging industry that is poised to create jobs, drive innovation and stimulate economic growth.
In December, China’s top economic planner established a dedicated department to devise and oversee growth strategies in the sector.
Some people, originally from professions such as property sales, have resigned to acquire drone skills
By the end of 2024, China had just 247,300 drone operators with valid licences while over 2.17 million drones were registered in the country – a 98.5 per cent surge from the previous year, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China.
The growing talent gap is luring jobseekers – especially young people and those from struggling sectors like real estate.