Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026-2030) has placed the low-altitude economy (LAE) as one of its technology ambitions, targeting the city as an Asia-Pacific hub for innovative low-altitude applications.

The plan calls for an Action Plan covering legislation, standards and infrastructure, while positioning Hong Kong as a platform for research, talent development and helping mainland manufacturers expand globally.

Technology testing will also move into more complex areas, including cross-boundary routes, passenger-carrying aircraft, unmanned traffic management systems and shared low-altitude platforms.

The Greater Bay Area will serve as a key testing ground, with plans to develop scaled cross-boundary logistics networks and connect Hong Kong International Airport with multimodal transport links across the region.

More than 140 LAE sandbox applications have been approved, with over 20 projects already operating regularly. A newer sandbox launched to test unmanned traffic management, unconventional aircraft and cross-boundary operations received more than 100 applications.

The Northern Metropolis is also expected to provide space for new applications and cross-boundary technology development.