The inaugural International Advanced Air Mobility Expo in Shanghai has become a barometer of the low-altitude economy's explosive growth, where blockbuster deals and technological leaps converge to chart the sector's future.

On the first day of the expo, Shanghai-based Volant Aerotech inked an intent deal worth 1.75 billion USD with Thailand's Pan Pacific, making it the largest single international order ever received for passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in China.

The record-breaking deal underscored the thriving development in this trillion USD frontier sector, with the potential to reshape urban mobility and low-altitude travel.

With about 300 exhibitors and 44 debut products (19 global and 25 domestic firsts), the expo has become a microcosm of the booming global low-altitude economy.

Three transformative trends can be seen through the lens of the expo. First, technological advancements are accelerating commercialization. From the world's first seven-seat eVTOL to the world's first mass-produced large hydrogen-powered vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing drone, innovations displayed at the expo prove low-altitude solutions are maturing beyond prototypes.

Second, real-world applications are expanding at a faster pace. EVTOLs purchased by Pan Pacific are expected to be used in scenarios including short-distance transportation in or between islands in regions including Thailand and Maldives, as well as emergency and rescue. Shanghai is developing low-altitude industrial logistics, cultural tourism and industrial parks in light of local conditions. All of these exemplify the sector's practicality.

Third, ecosystem collaboration is pivotal to the sustainable development of low-altitude economy. The low-altitude economy features an extensive industrial chain, supply chain and policy chain. Developing an eVTOL involves numerous aspects, from flight control systems and avionics to batteries, motors, airframe structures, and composite materials. Each of these areas requires collaboration with more than one partner. Thus, an open and collaborative ecosystem is essential for the future growth of the low-altitude economy.

This is precisely the purpose of the expo: to enhance the allocation of ecosystem elements, accelerate the practical implementation of application scenarios, and establish a platform for deep integration among government, industry, academia, research institutions and end-users.

As the expo concluded, one thing is clear: low-altitude economy isn't just about flying cars — it's a testbed for redefining urban mobility and fostering ecosystems.