Drone delivery service a start for Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy

Drone delivery service could be a start for Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy, as the SAR said it is proactively promoting its development on various fronts.

The comments came as Chan Siu-hung, an election committee lawmaker, called on the government to map out policies to expedite the city’s development of low-altitude economy.

Deputy Secretary for Transport and Logistics Liu Chun-san told LegCo on Wednesday that his bureau will work with the Civil Aviation Department to examine issues such as aviation safety and airspace management.

"Because of air safety, the government will take a gradual approach to start from the near to the far and from the light to the heavy to gradually widen and enrich the application scenarios of Advanced Air Mobility," he said, adding that the city could begin with trials on drone delivery services.

He said taking public interest into account, the aerial routes of such Advanced Air Mobility should be far away from populated areas, said Liu when giving an account of authorities’ take on the management of low altitude airspace.

“There should be a safe distance with buildings and structures and the flights should not affect the civil aircraft taking off and landing at the airport,” Liu added.

Meanwhile, when asked if authorities would explore the feasibility of running air taxis in the city, Liu said the SAR would make references to the mainland’s various low-altitude flight activities before making such adaptations locally.

“This is particularly important considering Hong Kong's densely populated areas and high-rise buildings…the goal is to explore the development of low-altitude economy among various industries and create economic benefits,” he said.