Gov’t rolls out first batch of low-altitude pilot projects

These initiatives cover emergency rescue, logistics, safety inspections, and surveillance, amongst others.

The government has launched the first batch of 38 low-altitude economies (LAE) Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects.

The Working Group on Developing LAE approved the 38 projects after reviewing 72 project proposals. These initiatives span various fields and application scenarios, including emergency and rescue, logistics and distribution, inspections and safety maintenance, surveillance, and low-altitude infrastructure.

Enterprises, research institutes, public utilities, and government departments are carrying out the projects.

“The LAE is one of our nation’s strategic emerging industries, as well as the example in exploring new quality productive forces,” said Chief Executive John Lee.

He outlined that the LAE not only gives rise to various emerging industries but also opens up a wide range of application scenarios with great potential.

“The government will unleash the potential of the LAE by bringing together research and development outcomes and corporate efforts, taking forward the LAE in a safe and healthy manner to make Hong Kong a pioneer in the emerging new quality productive forces industry of the LAE, creating a new era of a 'smart sky’,” he said.

Moreover, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan said the sandbox projects will help to accumulate experience and data, allowing the government to devise comprehensive infrastructure support for the execution of LAE activities.

She also added that the government plans to amend existing regulations about low-altitude drones. Weight limits will be increased, allowing heavier and more sophisticated drones to be used.

The government also plans to introduce a special provision enabling the Director-General of Civil Aviation to allow trials of more sophisticated and heavier low-altitude equipment, including models that can carry passengers.