Imagine an economy not built on highways and rail lines—but on digital air corridors, autonomous drones, vertiports, and AI-supported logistics. This is what the report Morgondagens Flyg calls the “low altitude economy”—an emerging industrial ecosystem operating primarily below 500 feet.
In this ecosystem, drones deliver packages, inspect infrastructure, support agriculture, and provide emergency response. eVTOLs offer aerial shuttle services, regional flights, and rapid medical transport. These services depend on physical infrastructure (like take-off and landing pads), digital platforms (for real-time coordination), and skilled operators.
Far from being niche or futuristic, the low altitude economy is now actively forming. Since January 2024, the EU U-space Regulation (2021/664 and 2021/665) has taken full effect, creating a harmonised framework for integrating drones and other unmanned systems into shared airspace. Sweden, through LFV (Air Navigation Services of Sweden), has already initiated U-space trials in Östergötland and other regions. These steps lay the groundwork for future commercial operations on a broader scale.
Morgondagens Flyg argues that this isn’t just a technological shift—it’s an economic one. The low altitude economy has the potential to create new jobs, stimulate innovation, and establish Sweden as a key exporter of aerial mobility know-how. However, fragmented responsibility and unclear regulatory mandates still risk slowing progress.
The report calls for national coordination, funding instruments tailored to test and deploy these technologies, and regulatory sandboxes where municipalities, start-ups, and authorities can experiment safely. The message is clear: the low altitude economy is forming fast. But it needs structure, investment, and shared vision to thrive.
Is Sweden ready to take the lead in the low altitude economy – or do we risk falling behind? And if so, what might be the cause?

This article builds on the report “Morgondagens Flyg” (The Aviation of Tomorrow), created by Transportföretagen and Aero EDIH.