HK receives over 100 applications for low-altitude sandbox

The Hong Kong government has received more than 100 applications for its advanced “Regulatory sandbox X” as of February, and pilot projects are set to roll out in the first half of 2026 while low-altitude economy technologies move from trials to real-world deployment.

Secretary for transport and logistics Mable Chan wrote in her blog on Saturday (21 March) that the working group on developing the low-altitude economy launched an advanced version of the low-altitude economy “Regulatory sandbox X” (監管沙盒X) at the end of last year, expanding the scope of innovation trials to cover application scenarios with higher technological complexity. 

The applications for “Regulatory sandbox X” closed in February this year, with more than 100 applications received across different application scenarios. Chan said the working group is reviewing the applications in detail, with the aim of rolling out pilot projects for testing from the first half of this year.

Together with the “Regulatory sandbox” launched last year, around 20 projects have progressed so far to more stable and scalable operations, and the development of the low-altitude economy is expected to create opportunities for talent across different fields.

Chan emphasised that this year will be a key turning point for innovative transport technologies—moving them from trials to becoming an industry. Several innovative transport technologies are expected to move from experimental settings into everyday life, helping them take root and drive the development of future industries.

She added that across Hong Kong, eight training organisations have already been approved by the Civil Aviation Department to offer training and assessments for drone operator certification. The Productivity Council is also preparing new courses for Category B drones and beyond visual line of sight operations. Meanwhile, the Vocational Training Council has trained more than 500 students in drone operations, smart transportation, and aerial photography.

Furthermore, the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy is applying to become an accredited training organisation. It will offer training aligned with international Civil Aviation Organisation standards, and help establish career pathways for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) pilots and maintenance personnel so existing aviation professionals can transition to the new technology. The University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University have also launched low-altitude economy master’s programmes to develop research talent and support high-end industry growth.

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In fact, low‑altitude economy (LAE) is one of the key focus among the Budget 2026  Hong Kong’s finance chief Paul Chan announced in February. The government has completed the first‑stage legislative amendment exercise, and will refine the legislation and regulatory framework on civil aviation to lay the foundation for the development of LAE standardisation in the long run, building a competitive LAE ecosystem.

The government is also exploring with the mainland to commence trial flights on cross‑boundary low‑altitude logistics.

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