Creating business in the air

Promote cooperation

Hong Kong should cooperate with other cities in the GBA to explore the pilot rules, management and supervision of cross-boundary operations of low-altitude aircraft in order to create a demonstration zone for cross-boundary operation of low-altitude aircraft, Tan says.

Shenzhen is moving rapidly ahead in forging a low-altitude economy. The city's municipal government issued the Implementation Plan for Innovative Development of Low-Altitude Economy Industries (2022-2025) in December 2022. Last year, it officially initiated the first local industry-related legislation - Regulation of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone on Promoting the Low Altitude Economy Industry - which has attracted low-altitude economy enterprises, such as Meituan and delivery service provider SF Express, as well as German aerospace company Lilium, to begin operations.

Meituan's drone operations have been under research and development since 2017 and started operations in Shenzhen in 2021. Currently, the company operates 28 regular routes, providing delivery services covering scenarios such as offices, scenic areas, municipal parks, medical facilities and campuses, and has accumulated more than 250,000 orders so far.

Legislator Edward Lau Kwok-fan of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong suggests the city explore areas for expanding the application of low-altitude aircraft, including air cabs, tourism and sightseeing, as well as logistics and distribution in the planning and development of the Northern Metropolis.

Consideration should be given to conducting technology research and manufacturing for the low-altitude economy in the northern part of the New Territories, encompassing the production of small aircraft, helicopters and drones, he said.

Lau also suggests the authorities introduce educational programs, such as pilot and technical personnel training.

To unleash the potential of the low-altitude economy, there should be planning for coordination and top-level design, and the government should promote cross-departmental collaboration, says another DAB lawmaker Elizabeth Quat Pei-fan.

"The SAR government has yet to start comprehensive planning for the low-altitude economy. This is important for the future development of Hong Kong and the GBA."

Contact the writer at evanliu@chinadailyhk.com