AutoFlight Selected for Hong Kong Regulatory Sandbox X, Cargo eVTOL Trials Set to Launch Within Six Months

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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