China Recognises ‘Drone Flight Planner’ as Profession Amid Soaring Low-Altitude Economy

China has officially recognised “drone flight planner” as a new profession, as the country’s booming low-altitude economy faces a severe shortage of skilled workers.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced the designation alongside 16 other new occupations, including cross-border e-commerce operation manager and elderly care service worker.

Drone flight planners are responsible for planning multi-drone flight paths, developing flight plans and missions, and managing on-site operations, according to Wang Xiaojun, deputy director of the ministry’s Department of Vocational Capacity Building.

The low-altitude economy, which includes manned and unmanned aerial activities up to 1,000 metres, has been classified by Beijing as a strategic emerging industry.

The sector is expected to drive innovation, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

In December, China’s top economic planner established a dedicated department to oversee development strategies for the industry.

Despite rapid growth, the sector faces a talent gap of about 1 million skilled workers, according to the National Development and Reform Commission.

By the end of 2024, China had only 247,300 licensed drone operators, while more than 2.17 million drones were registered—a 98.5% increase from the previous year, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

The shortage is attracting jobseekers from struggling sectors such as real estate, as well as young people looking for future opportunities.

Zhang Chao, who runs drone training programmes in Yunnan province, said student numbers have nearly tripled since mid-2024, with about 140 trainees per month, mostly aged 20 to 40.

Some trainees are former property sales professionals seeking new careers, while others are students using their summer holidays to obtain drone licences.

Zhang noted that many students are majoring in drone-related fields and are optimistic about the industry’s future.

In response to growing demand, China’s higher education institutions are adjusting their curricula.

In April, the Ministry of Education approved low-altitude technology and engineering as a new undergraduate major.

Universities such as Beihang University and Beijing Institute of Technology will launch related programmes this autumn.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China projects the domestic low-altitude economy will reach USD 210 billion in 2025 and grow to SGD 665 billion (USD 490 billion) by 2035.

China’s urban youth unemployment rate, excluding students, stood at 14.5% in June.

The rate is expected to rise as a record 12.2 million university graduates enter the job market in the coming months.

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• China designates “drone flight planner” as an official profession

• Low-altitude economy projected to reach SGD 665 billion by 2035

• Industry faces shortage of 1 million skilled workers

Source: SCMP