Hong Kong and Nansha target global drone benchmark via cross-border trials
Academics, stakeholders, drone and eVTOL operators, and research institutes from both sides to formulate aligned standards through a closed-loop model
Hong Kong has taken a significant stride towards cross-border drone flights by teaming up with Nansha in mainland China to develop unified standards, policies and validation pathways through joint tests and trials – an effort that could set a global benchmark.
The collaboration follows an accord signed on December 25 between the Hong Kong Productivity Council and Nansha’s International Advanced Technology Application and Promotion Centre (GBA).
Edmond Lai Shiao-bun, the council’s chief digital officer, told the Post that the partnership also held symbolic weight for both sides in advancing the low-altitude economy.
It will bring together academics, aviation stakeholders, drone and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) operators, and research institutes from both sides to formulate aligned standards through a closed-loop model spanning technology development, scenario testing and industrial application.
Lai said Hong Kong could be positioned as an Asian hub for low-altitude economic development.
“The greatest value of the Nansha collaboration is that it will set a global benchmark for unmanned aerial systems – one that can be referenced by Asian cities such as Singapore and Malaysia,” Lai said in an interview on Monday.