appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

isVideo

articlePageQuery

article

articleSchemaContent

content

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

hooksArticlePageFloatingButtonConfigArticle

appConfig

filter

json

liveArticle

Ken Chu

Hong Kong’s economy is expanding, and the outlook remains positive as we close the year. In recent months, the term “low-altitude economy” has taken on prominence in development discussions. At present, about 30 mainland provinces have incorporated low-altitude economy initiatives into their government work reports or launched related policies.
Hong Kong has also taken significant steps, establishing a working group on low-altitude economy development and sending a dedicated team to Shenzhen to explore cross-border drone collaborations.
This emerging sector is seen as heralding a new era in productivity and being a catalyst for the entire industrial value chain. In fact, the scale of China’s low-altitude economy exceeded 500 billion yuan (US$68.8 billion) in 2023 and is projected to surpass 2 trillion yuan by 2030.
For the public, the most visible aspect of this economy might be drone-based food and package deliveries or stunning drone shows. For instance, during this year’s National Day celebrations, Shenzhen hosted a breathtaking performance featuring 10,000 drones against the city’s dazzling skyline.
Similarly, Hong Kong has held large-scale drone shows during major celebrations, several over Victoria Harbour. These digital alternatives to fireworks have become new signature tourist events, drawing crowds eager to capture and share the spectacle, providing a boost to the city’s brand and possibly bringing about increased footfall.
However, the low-altitude economy extends far beyond spectacular performances. Its applications span areas including logistics, security, emergency response, medical delivery, commercial aviation and aerial mapping. While achieving large-scale commercial operations in these domains will require time, the journey ahead represents a great opportunity.


Shenzhen and Hong Kong collaborating on the low-altitude economy is a match made in heaven. The two cities are deeply interconnected through bustling flows of people and goods, offering numerous scenarios for low-altitude applications.
Shenzhen, a trailblazer in this field, is set to be one of six pilot cities in China authorised to manage airspace under 600 metres for electric vertical take-off and landing trials. The city has already introduced numerous supporting regulations and policies at both municipal and district levels.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong is a logistics and transport hub which boasts world-class universities with robust research and development capabilities. It also has mature 5G technology, providing the high-speed, low-latency connectivity which is crucial for enabling real-time drone operations and other low-altitude applications.
Both cities are also similar in terms of high population density, dense urban infrastructure and stringent requirements for airspace planning and flight paths. The two cities can leverage their complementary strengths to create a synergistic ecosystem.


Establishing industry standards, streamlining regulatory approval processes and building high-quality infrastructure such as take-off and landing sites are formidable tasks. These challenges could be addressed through targeted pilot programmes to test and refine solutions in controlled environments. Joint solutions could set benchmarks for the Greater Bay Area and beyond.
Additionally, adopting international best practices in drone technology and regulatory frameworks can also provide valuable guidance for future developments, accelerating the development of robust and scalable systems.
Hong Kong’s coming regulatory sandbox for the low-altitude economy is a pivotal step. To ensure its success, the sandbox must embody the principles of agility and adaptability: it is crucial to act fast to test new technologies, fail quickly and learn from mistakes, and iterate rapidly to refine solutions. Encouraging open collaboration between public and private stakeholders, maintaining transparency around outcomes and creating a feedback-driven approach will be essential.
Additionally, fostering public-private partnerships can amplify resources and expertise, while talent development programmes in drone technology can ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals. Enhanced cross-border coordination with Shenzhen to harmonise regulations and standards will also be key to creating a seamless and efficient low-altitude ecosystem.

Such initiatives can streamline approval procedures, integrate research resources, attract private investment and foster a more supportive financial environment. Drawing lessons from the country’s rapid policy roll-outs, Hong Kong and Shenzhen can pioneer innovative frameworks to accelerate development.
Imagine a future where goods and people are seamlessly transported across the Hong Kong-Shenzhen corridor via drone routes. In time, these could expand to connect Hong Kong with Macau, Huizhou and Zhuhai, eventually forming an interconnected “Bay Area in the Sky”. The vision of transforming individual cities into a cohesive network is within reach.
To gain first-mover advantage in the region, there is much to be done to advance collaboration on policies, infrastructure and technological advancements. As gateway cities to the world, Hong Kong and Shenzhen have an opportunity to carve out a leadership role in the global low-altitude economy. Together, they hold the key to unlocking a new frontier of urban innovation, making the dream of a “Bay Area in the Sky” a reality.


Cloudy with a chance of Big Macs: McDonald’s and Meituan launch drone route in Shanghai

Hong Kong, Kazakhstan sign MOU on transport lab, discuss low-altitude economy

Unmanned electric aircraft makes maiden flight in Hong Kong

China halts drone shows across the country as airspace controls tighten

Low-altitude economy

How Hong Kong can help ‘Bay Area in the Sky’ take flight

Drones take the shape of a horse painted by Chinese artist Xu Beihong during a show over Victoria Harbour on September 28. Photo: Dickson Lee

People visit the exhibition booth of a drone company during the 26th China Hi-Tech Fair in Shenzhen on November 14. Photo: Xinhua

Low-altitude economy’s ambitions collide with lack of drone pilots

A Meituan delivery drone is seen on display at the Global Digital Economy Conference 2022 in Beijing. Photo: Shutterstock

Drones are prepared for flight tests in Shenzhen last month. Photo: Xinhua

Can Beijing and Big Business Trump-proof Hong Kong?

People ride on a ferry from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon as the sun sets, in 2019. Photo: AP

US president-elect Donald Trump, then the Republican presidential nominee, embraces Senator Marco Rubio at a campaign event in Raleigh, North Carolina, on November 4. Photo: Reuters 

People take part in the Piu Sik Parade of the Bun Festival in Cheung Chau, on May 15. Photo: Elson Li

Opinion

Hong Kong Opinion

News

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Economy

As gateway cities to the world, Hong Kong and Shenzhen have an opportunity to carve out a leadership role in the global low-altitude economy


As gateway cities to the world, Hong Kong and Shenzhen have an opportunity to carve out a leadership role in the global low-altitude economy.


Shenzhen

Greater Bay Area

Hong Kong economy

Aviation

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


How Hong Kong can help ‘Bay Area in the Sky’ take flight

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}As gateway cities to the world, Hong Kong and Shenzhen have an opportunity to carve out a leadership role in the global low-altitude economy

As gateway cities to the world, Hong Kong and Shenzhen have an opportunity to carve out a leadership role in the global low-altitude economy