AI & Robotics
【2025 Policy Address】How Can Hong Kong Enterprises Benefit From Low Altitude Economy?
The Hong Kong Government's latest 2025 Policy Address introduced the "Low Altitude Economy Development Action Plan," marking Hong Kong's big move to become a major innovation hub for low altitude applications in the Asia-Pacific region. This blog will explain what the low altitude economy is, how new policies will promote the low altitude economy in Hong Kong, and the opportunities that Hong Kong enterprises can seize from the low altitude economy.
What Is the Low Altitude Economy?
The low altitude economy refers to different economic activities centered on low altitude flight, generally within 1000m above ground level, with certain cases extending up to 3000m. Relevant industries include but are not limited to:
- Cargo delivery, food delivery, and mail distribution
- Aerial rescue, firefighting, surveying, and inspection tasks
- Agricultural aviation such as crop spraying and environmental monitoring with small drones
- Short-distance local passenger transport (e.g., air taxis or buses), commercial aerial filming, and tourism
- The low altitude economy encompasses both unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and manned aircraft such as helicopters and eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles).
How Does the 2025 Policy Address Promote the Low Altitude Economy in Hong Kong?
The 2025 Policy Address firmly incorporates the low altitude economy into Hong Kong's emerging strategic industries and sets forth multiple enabling measures:
- Formulating a comprehensive "Low Altitude Economy Development Action Plan" to accelerate industry growth
- Launching an advanced "Regulatory Sandbox X" pilot project targeting technically complex scenarios including cross-boundary routes and low altitude manned aircraft trials
- Updating civil aviation legislation and regulatory frameworks, including dedicated laws for unconventional aircraft weighing above 150 km
- Allocating dedicated spectrum and planning infrastructure like vertiports, low altitude air route networks, satellite navigation, 3D spatial data systems, and a smart low altitude traffic management system
- Supporting universities and local industries with training programs to nurture talent
- Collaborating with the insurance sector to develop low altitude economy-specific insurance products, reducing operational risks.
How Can Hong Kong Enterprises Benefit from the Low Altitude Economy?
The low altitude economy is recognised as a new engine for quality productivity growth. Hong Kong enterprises stand to gain from:
- New markets in logistics, rescue services, inspection, monitoring, and local tourism
- Leveraging local strengths in finance, research, and data analytics to advance drone management, AI analysis, and service provision
- Accessing the GBA platforms to facilitate regional collaboration and industrial synergies
- Utilising the Regulatory Sandbox to pilot innovative projects swiftly and reduce compliance risks
- Benefiting from upgraded infrastructure and dedicated spectrum to enable smooth cross-boundary operations and business expansion
These advantages position Hong Kong businesses to accelerate digital transformation, increase operational efficiency, and maintain a competitive edge in smart low altitude economy applications.
HKT Low-Altitude Economy Solutions & Autonomous Drone
HKT offers smart low-altitude economy solutions integrating advanced 5G/5.5G connectivity, autonomous drones, and an AI-powered drone traffic management system.
- 5G/5.5G Connectivity: Enables real-time remote control and data transmission for autonomous drones over wide and remote areas. Our LEO satellite technology complements coverage in rural and offshore regions, allowing longer range missions.
- Autonomous Drones: Unmanned drones operate remotely and automatically in diverse, complex environments, ensuring safety and reducing manual efforts.
- AI Drone Traffic Management: Supports intelligent route planning, autonomous take-offs and landings, smart hangar recharging, and 24/7 precise automated operations.
This automation and autonomy model greatly enhances efficiency for logistics, infrastructure inspection, and other applications, unlocking the full potential of the low altitude economy.
Staying Ahead with Industry Trends for Future Competitiveness
The low altitude economy is becoming a focal point of Hong Kong's innovation-driven economic growth. Automation and AI for unmanned aerial vehicles represent vital directions for enterprise digital transformation. Contact us now to learn how HKT Low-Altitude Economy Solutions can elevate your business to the next level.