New rules planned as low-altitude economy picks up

Cheng Wong

The Civil Aviation Department plans to expand the Small Unmanned Aircraft Order to include drones weighing 25 kilograms to 150kg, with the amendment set for submission to the Legislative Council this year.

CAD director-general Victor Liu Chi-yung told Sing Tao Daily, sister publication of The Standard, that the low-altitude economy - comprised of activities in airspace below 1,000 meters - is growing in popularity in Hong Kong.

There are, Liu noted, more than 50 government departments and divisions utilizing drones for tasks such as inspections and measurements, alongside drone performances.

He noted that the number of performance applications handled by the department rose to 41 last year from 17 two years ago, highlighting a critical need for amendments.

Currently, the drone order permits power-driven aircraft weighing 25kg or less to operate in Hong Kong.

Liu said that due to the city's complex airspace and geography, amendments will be phased in to ensure orderly flight activities, with research underway to extend the weight limit to 150 kg.

With regard to airport operations, Liu noted that the Hong Kong International Airport's capacity is recovering rapidly, with airlines increasing to over 130 from 120 and destinations nearing 200 - nearly 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

He also said the airport's three-runway system will increase runway capacity to 102 flights per hour.

Meanwhile, lawmaker Elizabeth Quat Pei-fan called for the prompt launch of applications for the second phase of low-altitude economy pilot projects, citing concerns from many companies that they lack sufficient time to submit proposals.

Quat, chair of the Greater Bay Area Low-Altitude Economy Alliance, said the regulatory sandbox pilot projects received 72 submissions despite a short application period and high requirements, reflecting strong market confidence in Hong Kong's low-altitude economy development.

The sandbox accepted applications from November to December last year, allowing industry stakeholders to test project concepts within predefined air routes in a controlled environment.

Members of the alliance have applied for more than 20 projects, Quat said, covering a wide range of use cases, including healthcare, cross-border transport, site surveying, building inspections and tourism.

cheng.wong@singtaonewscorp.com