In today's rapidly advancing technological era, the low-altitude economy is becoming a focal point on the global stage. Leveraging its unique geographical advantages, advanced technological capabilities, and open policy environment, Hong Kong is quickly emerging as a significant case study in the global low-altitude economy. At the recent Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce forum, X Social Group CEO Lam Hon Yuen Samuel expressed his views: “Hong Kong will become an important case in the global low-altitude economy!” From the Victoria Harbour light show to indoor drone displays at the airport, Hong Kong is redefining its skyline through "aerial art," with eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) and drone technology at the heart of this revolution.
一、Three Innovative Breakthroughs in Drone Performances
Samuel detailed three innovative breakthroughs in drone performances at the forum. These breakthroughs not only showcase Hong Kong's technological prowess in the low-altitude economy but also lay a solid foundation for future development.
（一）Satellite Technology: Achieving Precise Navigation
1️⃣ Hong Kong has adopted advanced satellite technology in its drone performances, utilizing dual-system positioning (Beidou + GPS + GLONASS) and RTK centimeter-level navigation technology to successfully achieve high-precision positioning in the Victoria Harbour drone shows. This technological application ensures that drones can fly accurately in complex urban environments, greatly enhancing both safety and spectator enjoyment. Additionally, the introduction of UWB indoor navigation technology has effectively solved the challenges of indoor drone displays, enabling spectacular performances in complicated environments like airports. This breakthrough not only opens new avenues for drone performances but also provides possibilities for diverse applications in the low-altitude economy.
（二）Policy Pioneer: Collaboration Between Government and Enterprises
2️⃣ Policy support is one of the key factors in the development of the low-altitude economy. The Hong Kong government actively promotes "flight path pre-examination" and dynamic airspace management, collaborating with enterprises to establish a regularized mechanism for drone activities. This policy innovation not only provides a more stable operating environment for businesses but also offers strong support for the sustainable development of the low-altitude economy. Through close collaboration between the government and enterprises, Hong Kong has accumulated rich experience in drone management, providing valuable lessons for other cities.
（三）Extreme Challenges: Breaking Through Airport No-Fly Zones
3️⃣ The successful realization of the world's first indoor drone show at Hong Kong International Airport marks another significant breakthrough in the low-altitude economy. This success in overcoming extreme challenges not only showcases Hong Kong's technological capabilities in the low-altitude economy but also reflects the government's courage and determination in policy innovation. The application of micro-drone swarm technology has not only achieved success in the performance sector but has also rapidly expanded into logistics and exhibition industries, providing new ideas and methods for the diversified development of the low-altitude economy.
二、Victoria Harbour as a Global Testing Ground
Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour, with its unique geographical position and advanced technological facilities, has become a "living laboratory" for global low-altitude technology. Here, drone technology not only overcomes natural and man-made obstacles such as the 30-meter no-fly zone, strong winds over the sea, and dense buildings but also transforms these challenges into advantages. Through continuous technological innovation and policy support, Hong Kong is turning Victoria Harbour into a demonstration area for the low-altitude economy, offering valuable experiences and references for other cities worldwide.
三、Future Blueprint for Hong Kong's Low-Altitude Economy
The future blueprint for Hong Kong's low-altitude economy is exciting, covering multiple sectors and industries, providing tremendous growth opportunities for business executives.
（一）Shenzhen-Hong Kong 15-Minute Drone Logistics Circle
✅ With the continuous maturation of drone technology, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong area is expected to achieve a 15-minute drone logistics circle. This innovation will significantly enhance logistics efficiency, reduce operating costs, and bring substantial economic benefits to enterprises. Logistics companies can leverage drone technology to optimize logistics distribution networks, improve delivery efficiency, and meet consumer demands for rapid logistics.
（二） Unified Air Traffic Management System in the Greater Bay Area
✅ To support the rapid development of the low-altitude economy, Hong Kong is promoting the establishment of a unified air traffic management system in the Greater Bay Area. This system will integrate the airspace resources of the Greater Bay Area, achieving efficient management and utilization of airspace. Additionally, Hong Kong will formulate unified insurance and licensing regulations to provide enterprises with a more stable and regulated operating environment.
（三） Building an "Urban Low-Altitude Economy Silicon Valley" Industrial Chain
✅ Hong Kong plans to build an "Urban Low-Altitude Economy Silicon Valley" industrial chain, attracting global technology companies and innovative talent. By establishing low-altitude economic industrial parks and offering favorable policies and funding support, Hong Kong aims to cultivate a batch of internationally competitive low-altitude economy enterprises, promoting the rapid development of the low-altitude economy.
四、A Joint Call from Government, Business, and Academia
To achieve the rapid development of the low-altitude economy, a joint call has been made by Hong Kong's government, business, and academic sectors to implement a series of measures to accelerate the construction and development of the low-altitude economy.
（一）Accelerating the Construction of 5G-A Networks
📍The government needs to accelerate the construction of 5G-A networks to provide high-speed, stable communication support for the low-altitude economy. The establishment of 5G-A networks will greatly enhance the flying control and data transmission capabilities of drones, providing technical support for diverse applications in the low-altitude economy.
（二）Industry Collaboration on Satellite Signal Anti-Interference Technology
📍 The industry needs to collaborate in developing satellite signal anti-interference technology to ensure the flight safety of drones in complex environments. The development of satellite signal anti-interference technology will effectively address potential signal interference issues that drones may encounter during flight, enhancing the reliability and safety of drone operations.
（三）Building a Cross-Border "Low-Altitude Corridor" in the Greater Bay Area
📍 The Greater Bay Area needs to jointly build a cross-border "low-altitude corridor" to achieve shared and coordinated development of low-altitude resources. The establishment of cross-border "low-altitude corridors" will promote interconnectivity and mutual development within the low-altitude economy of the Greater Bay Area, creating broader development opportunities for enterprises.
五、Opportunities and Challenges for Enterprises
The rapid development of Hong Kong's low-altitude economy presents substantial opportunities for enterprises while also introducing new challenges.
（一）Market Expansion Opportunities
The fast growth of the low-altitude economy offers enterprises vast opportunities for market expansion. As drone technology matures and application scenarios continue to broaden, enterprises can explore new business sectors and market opportunities. For example, logistics companies can utilize drone technology to optimize distribution networks, tourism enterprises can develop drone-based sightseeing projects, and technology companies can innovate in drone-related technologies and products to meet the growing market demand.
（二）Innovation Opportunities in Technology
Technological innovations in the low-altitude economy provide rare innovation opportunities for business executives. Companies can increase investments in drone technology research and development, collaborating with universities and research institutions to jointly engage in drone technology research and development. For instance, developing more precise navigation systems, more efficient battery technologies, and smarter flight control systems can enhance drone performance and safety, giving enterprises an edge in market competition.
（三）Policy Support Opportunities
Government policy support for the low-altitude economy provides a favorable environment for business executives. Enterprises can actively seek government policy support and funding assistance to participate in the construction and operation of low-altitude economy projects. For example, engaging in the construction of a unified air traffic management system in the Greater Bay Area and jointly building an "Urban Low-Altitude Economy Silicon Valley" industrial chain can create more favorable conditions for enterprise development.
（四）Technical Safety Challenges
The development of the low-altitude economy faces technical safety challenges. Issues regarding drone flight safety and data safety are critical concerns for business executives. Enterprises need to strengthen technology research and development to improve the safety and reliability of drones, ensuring secure operations during flights. Additionally, companies must enhance data security management to prevent data generated during drone flights from being leaked or tampered with.
（五）Regulatory Compliance Challenges
The development of the low-altitude economy requires strict adherence to relevant regulations and policies. Business executives need to closely monitor government regulations and policies related to the low-altitude economy to ensure that their operational activities comply with legal requirements. At the same time, enterprises should actively participate in the regulatory and policy-making process to provide constructive suggestions and opinions for the development of the low-altitude economy.
六、Conclusion
Hong Kong's low-altitude economy is thriving, with eVTOL and drone technologies emerging as powerful forces reshaping the future of cities. From the Victoria Harbour light show to indoor drone displays at the airport, Hong Kong is redefining its skyline through "aerial art." With ongoing technological innovation, continuous policy support, and expanding application scenarios, the future blueprint for Hong Kong's low-altitude economy is promising. For business executives, this is a new field filled with opportunities and challenges. Only by proactively embracing change, seizing opportunities, and addressing challenges can enterprises stand out in the wave of the low-altitude economy and achieve sustainable development.
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