PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1852499
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1852499
The low-altitude economy communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) or air traffic management (ATM) system is a comprehensive technological setup designed to maintain safe, efficient, and dependable operations for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and low-altitude air traffic. It delivers real-time communication, precise navigation, continuous monitoring, and effective traffic coordination to facilitate the growth of the low-altitude economy and smart city initiatives.
Key product categories within low-altitude economy CNS or ATM systems include communication systems, navigation systems, surveillance systems, and automation systems. A communication system consists of an organized network of transmitters, receivers, and channels aimed at exchanging information accurately between multiple points. These systems utilize advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and cloud computing for functions such as collision avoidance, flight information management, and search and rescue operations. They are marketed through various channels, including direct sales, distributors, and online platforms, serving end users such as commercial airlines, general aviation operators, and military or government agencies.
Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.
The rapid escalation of U.S. tariffs and the resulting trade tensions in spring 2025 are significantly impacting the transport sector, particularly in fleet maintenance and logistics operations. Higher duties on imported commercial vehicles, tires, and engine components have increased operational costs for trucking and freight companies, forcing them to raise shipping rates or reduce margins. Airlines and maritime shippers face similar pressures, with tariffs on aircraft parts and shipbuilding materials driving up capital expenditures. Additionally, retaliatory tariffs in key export markets have reduced demand for U.S.-made transportation equipment, further straining revenue streams. The sector must now prioritize fuel efficiency, alternative sourcing, and automation to offset rising expenses while maintaining service reliability.
The low-altitude economy communication, navigation, surveillance or air traffic management system market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides low-altitude economy communication, navigation, surveillance or air traffic management system market statistics, including low-altitude economy communication, navigation, surveillance or air traffic management system industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a low-altitude economy communication, navigation, surveillance or air traffic management system market share, detailed low-altitude economy communication, navigation, surveillance or air traffic management system market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the low-altitude economy communication, navigation, surveillance or air traffic management system industry. This low-altitude economy communication, navigation, surveillance, or air traffic management system market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The low-altitude economy communication, navigation, surveillance, or air traffic management system market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $3.08 billion in 2024 to $3.56 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.7%. The growth during the historical period is driven by rising demand for unmanned aerial vehicles, increasing focus on national airspace security, the growing complexity of air traffic, expanded commercial use of drones, and higher adoption of satellite-based navigation systems.
The low-altitude economy communication, navigation, surveillance, or air traffic management system market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $6.29 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.3%. The growth in the forecast period is fueled by the implementation of urban air mobility solutions, increased investment in advanced airspace infrastructure, government support for drone corridors, expansion of e-commerce aerial delivery networks, and wider deployment of autonomous aircraft. Key trends in the forecast period include advancements in artificial intelligence-based air traffic management, innovation in CNS/ATM system integration, research and development in drone communication protocols, developments in satellite surveillance capabilities, and the adoption of cloud-based air traffic management platforms.
The growth of smart city infrastructures is expected to drive the expansion of the low-altitude economy communication, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management system market. Smart city infrastructures use integrated digital and technological solutions to improve urban efficiency, connectivity, and overall quality of life. Rapid urbanization has accelerated the development of these infrastructures, creating a demand for sustainable systems to manage transportation, resources, and public services effectively. Low-altitude economy CNS and ATM systems support the operation of drones and other aerial vehicles in smart cities, improving traffic monitoring, emergency response, and urban logistics to create safer and more connected environments. For example, the International Institute for Management Development reported that the number of smart cities worldwide rose from 118 in 2021 to 141 in 2023. This growing focus on smart city development is a key factor driving the market for low-altitude economy CNS and ATM systems.
Leading companies in the low-altitude economy communication, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management system market are investing in advanced technologies such as 3D digital mapping to improve navigation precision and enable autonomous aerial operations. 3D digital mapping involves creating three-dimensional digital representations of real-world objects, terrains, or environments by capturing and processing spatial data. For example, in July 2025, Amap, a navigation company based in China, introduced Air Amap in Shenzhen's Longgang District. This low-altitude navigation solution combines 3D digital mapping with a temporal-spatial database to deliver accurate, real-time navigation for drones and other aerial vehicles. The platform represents a major advancement in developing smart urban airspace infrastructure, enhancing both flight safety and spatial coordination in low-altitude environments.
In March 2024, the France-based aerospace firm Thales SA completed the acquisition of AstraUTM for an undisclosed sum. Through this move, Thales SA plans to develop a digital traffic management platform that utilizes artificial intelligence and big data to improve safety and efficiency in drone operations and airspace management across urban and regional environments. AstraUTM, headquartered in the UAE, specializes in unmanned traffic management solutions and offers a comprehensive UTM system to facilitate the integration of drones into controlled airspace.
Major players in the low-altitude economy communication, navigation, surveillance (CNS) or air traffic management (ATM) system market are Honeywell International Inc., NEC Corporation, Thales S.A., ZTE corporation, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Leonardo S.p.A., Mosaic ATM Inc., Indra Sistemas S.A., Diehl Aviation GmbH, Saab AB, Nav Canada, Frequentis AG, Nsfocus Global, Wisk Aero LLC, uAvionix Corporation, Aloft AI Inc., Terra Drone Corporation, Altitude Angel Ltd., ANRA Technologies LLC, FTS Aerotech Co. Ltd.
North America was the largest region in the low-altitude economy communication, navigation, surveillance (CNS) or air traffic management (ATM) system market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in low-altitude economy communication, navigation, and surveillance or air traffic management CNS/ATM) system report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.
The countries covered in the low-altitude economy communication, navigation, and surveillance or air traffic management CNS/ATM) system market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The low-altitude economy communication, navigation, and surveillance or air traffic management CNS/ATM) system market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as avoidance assistance, route optimization, data integration and analysis, system maintenance and support and regulatory compliance facilitation. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The low-altitude economy communication, navigation, and surveillance or air traffic management (CNS/ATM) system market includes sales of traffic management systems, information management systems, weather monitoring systems, unmanned traffic management systems, and cybersecurity systems. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Low-Altitude Economy Communication, Navigation, Surveillance Or Air Traffic Management System Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on low-altitude economy communication, navigation, surveillance or air traffic management system market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for low-altitude economy communication, navigation, surveillance or air traffic management system ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The low-altitude economy communication, navigation, surveillance or air traffic management system market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.