The International Low-Altitude Economy (LAE) Summit was held in Hong Kong today, drawing over 1,000 government representatives, industry leaders, academic experts and members of international organisations from Hong Kong, the Mainland, Europe and Singapore to discuss the low-altitude sector’s development.

Those gathered also explored policy frameworks, technological innovations, and the fostering of regional and international collaboration.

Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong outlined that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is rapidly advancing LAE development. Of a first batch of 38 Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects, he said, 17 have already commenced, while another 11 are expected to be launched by the end of this month.

In terms of legislation, Mr Wong highlighted that the first phase of legislative amendments in Hong Kong has been completed. These cover drones weighing 25kg to 150kg, and allow unconventional aircraft to conduct trials under specific conditions.

He also mentioned that the Hong Kong SAR Government will soon roll out advanced “Regulatory Sandbox X” pilot projects, and that these will encompass more complex application scenarios such as cross-boundary routes and passenger-carrying low-altitude aircraft.

The summit involved keynote speeches, fireside chats, an innovation showcase and multiple parallel sessions. It aimed to establish a cross-disciplinary and cross-regional exchange platform to promote collaboration and inject new impetus into LAE development in Hong Kong, the region and the wider world.

The event was organised by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and co-organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy and the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance.