AutoFlight Selected for Hong Kong Regulatory Sandbox X, Cargo eVTOL Trials Set to Launch Within Six Months
Chinese eVTOL manufacturer AutoFlight has been selected for Hong Kong's inaugural Regulatory Sandbox X programme, with its heavy-lift eVTOL aircraft participating in two demonstration flight projects. Partners include AECOM and China Travel Tours Transportation Services. Trial flights are expected to begin within six months, initially transporting heavy construction materials to remote New Territories work sites.
Highlights
- AutoFlight has been selected for Hong Kong's inaugural Regulatory Sandbox X programme, participating in two out of four approved demonstration flight projects.
- Project partners include infrastructure consultancy AECOM, Chun Wo Construction, China Travel Tours Transportation Services, China Mobile Hong Kong, and the Greater Bay Area Low-Altitude Economy Alliance.
- Trial flights of AutoFlight's two-tonne-class heavy-lift eVTOL are expected to launch within six months, initially serving remote New Territories construction sites.
- AECOM indicated that successful cargo trials could pave the way for eco-tourism and sustainable Victoria Harbour aerial sightseeing operations.
- The Regulatory Sandbox X programme is a key policy tool in Hong Kong's strategy to develop its low-altitude economy across the Greater Bay Area.
Chinese eVTOL manufacturer AutoFlight announced via LinkedIn that it has been selected to participate in the inaugural round of Hong Kong's Regulatory Sandbox X programme — the city's flagship policy vehicle for developing its low-altitude economy and exploring innovative aviation applications.
Two Demonstration Flight Projects
Of the four projects approved under the programme, AutoFlight's heavy-lift eVTOL will take part in two, working alongside local partners to develop low-altitude routes and operational models spanning the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
According to data published by the Hong Kong Government's Task Force for Harbourfront Initiatives and Project Facilitation:
- Project One is led by AECOM Asia Company Limited, with AutoFlight collaborating with Chun Wo Construction and Engineering Co. Ltd.
- Project Two is led by China Travel Tours Transportation Services H.K. Ltd, with partners including the Greater Bay Area Low-Altitude Economy Alliance, China Mobile Hong Kong Limited, and Esri China (Hong Kong) Limited.
Trial Flights Expected Within Six Months
According to a May 2026 report by the South China Morning Post, the first test flight of a two-tonne-class unmanned eVTOL in Hong Kong could take place within six months. Initial operations will focus on transporting heavy construction materials to remote construction sites in the New Territories.
Infrastructure consultancy AECOM stated that once the aviation safety of cargo logistics has been verified, the next phase could expand into eco-tourism and even offer a sustainable alternative for scenic aerial tours over Victoria Harbour.
A Key Milestone for Hong Kong's Low-Altitude Economy
Regulatory Sandbox X serves as a cornerstone policy framework in Hong Kong's push to develop its low-altitude economy. By providing a controlled testing environment, it allows operators to trial innovative applications in real-world scenarios while helping regulators establish the corresponding oversight standards. AutoFlight's selection marks a significant step forward in the commercialisation of low-altitude cargo logistics across the Greater Bay Area.
Further Reading:
- Hong Kong Regulatory Sandbox X UCA Applications List (PDF)
- South China Morning Post Coverage
- AutoFlight Official LinkedIn
Image credit: AutoFlight
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