Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy advances with over 100 Sandbox X applications and new drone training

The government received more than 100 applications for its advanced “Regulatory Sandbox X” by February, with pilot projects set to launch in the first half of 2025 as low-altitude economy technologies move from trials to real-world use.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan wrote in her blog today that the Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy launched the upgraded “Regulatory Sandbox X” late last year to test more complex scenarios.

Applications closed in February and drew strong industry interest with over 100 submissions across various use cases.

The group is now reviewing them in detail, aiming to roll out pilot projects progressively from the first half of this year. Around 20 projects from the original sandbox have already progressed to regular, large-scale operations.

Chan described 2026 as the pivotal year when innovative transport technologies shift from experiments to everyday industries that will create job opportunities across multiple fields.

Eight local institutions are currently approved by the Civil Aviation Department to provide drone operator certification training and assessment, with many expanding their courses. Non-local qualifications can also be recognized upon application.

The Hong Kong Productivity Council, a sandbox partner, is preparing new courses for Category C drones (25–150 kg) and beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations.

The Vocational Training Council has already trained over 500 students in drone operation, smart mobility, and aerial photography, and its upcoming Aviation and Maritime Education Centre will include an advanced drone lab.

Hong Kong International Aviation Academy is applying for approved status to offer ICAO-standard training and career pathways for eVTOL pilots and maintenance staff, plus a dedicated low-altitude economy training center combining classroom and field practice.

Universities such as The University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University have launched master’s programs covering flight principles, airspace management, aircraft design, and infrastructure to supply high-level research talent for the sector.