The 'low-altitude' economy is taking off

Taylor Bowley

June 2025

The "low-altitude" economy refers to the emerging economic sector centered around activities, businesses, and services conducted in the airspace below 3,280 feet above the ground. It's growing largely due to the rise in electric vehicle take-off and landing (eVTOL), and, according to BofA Global Research, the global civil adoption of eVTOL could grow by 62% in 2025-30E.
Somewhere between a helicopter and a drone, eVTOL has higher safety; is more environmentally friendly; creates less noise; and has a lower selling price than that of a helicopter, according to BofA Global Research. An eVTOL typically consists of five major systems: power, avionics, structural, energy and thermal management, and assembly parts.
According to BofA Global Research, there are six end-applications for eVTOLs, namely public security, logistics distribution, medical & fire fighting, tourism, urban commuting, and intercity/intracity transportation.

Read our full analysis for a more in-depth look at these trends.

See all insights

The “low-altitude” economy is taking off

The Midwest and South see the largest population inflows and growth in mortgage payments, yet they remain the most affordable.

Who is spending the most on our four-legged friends?

Consumers continued to moderate spending through mid-May, especially on durables like electronics and autos.