Hong Kong Business News

The Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy, headed by Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, convened its first meeting today to discuss the overall strategies and work plan for developing a low-altitude economy (LAE).

The working group identified four work directions.

First, starting from early next year, the Government will take forward sandbox pilot projects progressively in collaboration with industry and partner organisations. The first phase is expected to mainly cover drone deliveries, with restrictions on “flying beyond visual line of sight” to be relaxed.

Second, the Government will amend civil aviation legislations, including reviewing the regulatory regime applicable to larger-sized unmanned aircraft. The plan is to submit the proposal to the Legislative Council in the first half of 2025.

Third, the Government will embark on technical studies and planning for low-altitude infrastructure, which involve take-off/landing points, communication networks, air route networks, low-altitude surveillance and management systems.

Fourth, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will promote an interface with the Mainland to facilitate cross-boundary low-altitude flying activities within the Greater Bay Area.

Mr Wong said: “Adopting a forward-thinking mindset and from the perspective of a facilitator, the working group will enable the simulation of diversified scenarios, multiple air routes and overarching low-altitude airspace management through the sandbox pilot projects. Operational data and experience accumulated will guide our work on different fronts including regulations, infrastructure and applications.

“We will make good use of market forces and actively communicate and co-operate with the Mainland to jointly promote the development of the LAE.”

During today’s meeting, the working group also formulated the details of the sandbox pilot projects, including the eligibility and procedures for application, as well as the factors for evaluating and prioritising applications. The Transport & Logistics Bureau will carry out the projects by batches. The first batch will be open for applications from tomorrow until December 31.

Furthermore, a Project Facilitation Task Force will be established under the working group in order to take forward technical matters for LAE development.

The working group also agreed to appoint the Productivity Council as a technical partner, while the Science & Technology Parks Corporation and Cyberport will be venue partners to provide suitable places and supporting facilities for pilot projects.

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