Aiming to amend regulations on low-altitude economy before late-2025: Transport chief

Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Lam Sai-hung, has announced that various pilot projects aimed at fostering the development of a low-altitude economy will be launched sequentially next year. These initiatives will gather essential data to inform subsequent amendments, expected to be finalized by the end of next year.

This development follows proposals in the recent Policy Address to actively promote the low-altitude economy sector. In a newspaper interview, Lam highlighted Hong Kong's significant potential in this emerging field, which could encompass cargo transportation, logistics, distribution, rescue operations, and even drug delivery.

The government plans to invite proposals from interested groups and industries for application scenarios. However, Lam emphasized the necessity of predefined routes for any proposed scenario, citing safety as a paramount concern. He remarked on the impracticality of drones flying from specific residential or office windows to random locations.

Lam also noted the presence of numerous technology and startup companies in locations like the Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport, which are situated away from dense urban areas and thus are highly operable and suitable for these pilot projects. Initial contacts with interested companies have shown enthusiasm for conducting experiments at these sites.

Regarding the possibility of drones delivering food in urban areas, Lam expressed openness to the idea, provided the industry deems it feasible and safe. However, he also pointed out that Victoria Harbour is a designated no-fly zone, and any tests in such areas would need to carefully address safety concerns.