HK to launch 38 low-altitude economy sandbox projects by year-end, says Mable Chan 

The first batch of 38 Low-altitude Economy Regulatory Sandbox projects is set to be implemented by the end of the year, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan announced on Monday.

Speaking on a radio program this morning, the transport chief said the government will formalize operations for more mature application scenarios, while the Civil Aviation Department will issue guidelines to clarify relevant details to the market.

Chan emphasized that the measure aims to attract more commercial applications and accelerate the commercialization of the low-altitude economy.

She also revealed that authorities will introduce the Action Plan on Developing the Low-altitude Economy next year to facilitate early planning and deployment of industry infrastructure.

The initiative will cover key areas such as vertiports, air route networks, satellite positioning, three-dimensional spatial data systems, and a smart low-altitude traffic management system.

Chan further explained that the advanced “Regulatory Sandbox X” pilot projects, outlined in the recent policy address, are designed to cover technically complex application scenarios—including cross-boundary routes.

In a separate effort to expand Hong Kong’s aviation network, Chan highlighted that transit travelers have been identified as an important passenger source.

She said transit passengers historically made up about 70 percent of traffic, and the government aims to attract more travelers from the Greater Bay Area and mainland China to use Hong Kong as a transit hub to destinations such as Europe and the United States.

Authorities will also proactively engage with airlines to expand flight routes and destinations, she added.