Super Terminal Expo highlights collaboration opportunities in low-altitude economy

As Hong Kong is actively promoting a low-altitude economy (LAE), some exhibitors in Super Terminal Expo 2025 hope to initiate and strengthen cooperation with the government.

The three-day Expo -- a major international event showcasing the latest developments in the world's aviation, technology and transportation industries -- kicks off in AsiaWorld-Expo on Tuesday, gathering over 6,000 air industry professionals representing 200 major airport managing bodies, airlines, ground handlers and regulators. 

Aerofugia, a drone manufacturer from Chengdu, is targeting Hong Kong as a potential market for its passenger-carrying flying vehicle. 

Lawrence Liang, representative from the company, said the vehicle is capable for vertical takeoff and landing, with long range and high payload capacity, suitable for densely populated areas such as Hong Kong and other cities in the Greater Bay Area. 

"It is well-suited for low-altitude sightseeing, connecting tourist attractions, and emergency rescue operations," he said. 

Liang aims to leverage Hong Kong as a base to provide rapid air shuttle services in the GBA. He is eager to work with the government in terms of policy regulation, product implementation, and commercial partnerships. 

Another exhibitor, Traffic Control Technology (Hong Kong), has recently partnered with MTR Corporation to utilize beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drones for automatic patrol and maintenance tasks inside the railway tunnel. 

It is among the government's first batch of Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects in March. 

Jasper Zhang, marketing manager of the company, said the company is researching to expand its cooperation with MTR, including using drones for outdoor sections of the railway, as well as for shopping malls and residential properties maintenance inspections. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Expo, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said the government is set to launch the advanced Regulatory Sandbox X pilot projects. 

She noted that the new scheme would handle more complex scenarios such as cross-boundary routes and passenger-carrying applications. 

The government is also developing cross-boundary applications, including logistics, to help enterprises trial and commercialize their technologies while setting up the LAE standards. 

Fred Lam Tin-fuk, the chairman of the Airport Authority, said the future of aviation relies on ongoing investment in infrastructure and the city's Three-runway System lays the foundation for Hong Kong airport's long-term growth.