Drones: the future of light displays

Global growth potential

Across the country, drone shows have become a booming attraction for cultural tourism. Most of Damoda's clients are local governments' cultural tourism departments and tourist site operators.

Drone shows are also part of the low-altitude economy. In low-altitude airspace — typically referring to vertical heights below 3,000 meters — manned or unmanned aircraft are widely used for performances, aerial inspections, logistics delivery, agricultural protection, emergency rescue, and other applications.

In 2024, the low-altitude economy was included in China's Government Work Report for the first time, recognized as a new growth engine. The Civil Aviation Administration of China predicts that by 2025, the market size of China's low-altitude economy will reach 1.5 trillion yuan ($205.26 billion), and by 2035, it could grow to 3.5 trillion yuan.

Take Damoda as an example: the company not only delivers drone performances but also manufactures the equipment. Its third- and fourth-generation drones are fully produced domestically, using domestic chips and the Beidou Navigation Satellite System.

In 2024, Damoda expanded into the South American and European markets, selling equipment to over 50 countries and regions. The company's overseas business volume increased by more than 30 percent last year.

"Drone formation performances have become common even in China's third- and fourth-tier cities, but the potential in overseas markets is still significant," Jia said.