Scholars, interested parties, drone and eVTOL operators, and research organizations from both sides to develop consistent standards using a feedback-based model
Hong Kong has made a major move in the direction of cross-border drone flights by collaborating with Nansha in mainland China to create common standards, regulations, and verification processes through combined testing and trials — a initiative that may establish a worldwide standard.
The partnership comes after an agreement was finalized on December 25 between the Hong Kong Productivity Council and the Nansha International Advanced Technology Application and Promotion Centre (GBA).
Edmond Lai Shiao-bun, the council’s head of digital affairs, mentioned to the Post that the collaboration also carried symbolic significance for both parties in promoting the low-altitude economy.
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It will unite scholars, aviation participants, drone and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) operators, and research organizations from both regions to establish consistent standards using a closed-loop framework that covers technology advancement, scenario evaluation, and commercial implementation.
Lai mentioned that Hong Kong could be established as an Asian center for the development of low-altitude economy.
“The most significant benefit of the Nansha collaboration is that it will establish a global standard for unmanned aerial systems – a model that Asian cities like Singapore and Malaysia can refer to,” Lai stated in an interview on Monday.
Officials from both sides have highlighted the low-altitude economy as a key national focus.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu mentioned it as a key policy priority for 2026 in his New Year speech, while Chinese Premier Li Qiang recently encouraged Shenzhen to speed up the advancement of artificial intelligence, robotics, and drones during a visit to the technology center.
The agreement between the council and the center utilizes the Hong Kong government’s “Regulatory Sandbox X” – a program designed to trial non-traditional aircraft weighing over 150kg (330lbs) and eVTOLs to confirm safety protocols.
It seeks to establish reciprocal acknowledgment and cooperative frameworks between Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
Lai anticipates that the initial group of drone companies and organizations will submit their applications to join the sandbox as early as next month.
He mentioned that Nansha was selected due to its strategic position and advanced technological capabilities.
“Nansha can be accessed from Hong Kong via sea without going through any other mainland cities. Additionally, it houses a national-level laboratory focused on eVTOLs and drone technologies,” he stated.
During the assessments and challenges in Nansha, both parties aim to agree on technical specifications, policy alignment, and industrial application, creating a streamlined cross-border verification process.
Sixteen collaborators are involved, including the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology along with its Guangzhou branch, the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance, and the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
“We intend to develop a smooth cross-border system, as each party can involve 10 or more agencies,” Lai stated.
A government official stated that the partnership would promote the low-altitude economy and assist mainland companies in growing internationally.
He mentioned that Hong Kong is recognized for its “excellent aviation safety standards,” and that mainland companies complying with these would face minimal challenges in meeting international requirements.
“He mentioned that the city could also act as a starting point or experimental area for these companies to grow internationally,” he said.
Legislator Duncan Chiu Tat-kun, who advocates for the technology and innovation industry, mentioned that areas like Nansha and Qianhai offer regulatory adaptability to experiment with data transmission and air traffic management, which are crucial for drone operations.
“Cross-border pilot initiatives are designed to identify areas where the two systems can align, particularly when laws and regulations differ,” Chiu stated.
He mentioned that technological progress has now enabled the separate handling of flight and airspace data while ensuring coordination.
Chiu mentioned that the upcoming challenge would involve updating Hong Kong’s legislation to match technological advancements, cautioning that regulations established many years ago might hinder the implementation of unmanned flights for applications like emergency services or infrastructure monitoring.
Legislator Johnny Ng Kit-chong stated that Nansha’s location makes it suitable for testing drones transporting medical samples or urgent supplies on cross-border journeys lasting less than 30 minutes.
“These unmanned aerial vehicles offer an excellent method, as they are secure, efficient, and can be tracked,” Ng mentioned.
He anticipates that Legco will soon examine how sandbox trials can be transformed into lasting frameworks, assessing legal shortcomings and cross-border collaboration required for secure and efficient daily functioning.
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This piece was first published in the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), a top news outlet covering China and Asia.
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