AutoFlight to Test eVTOL Ops in Hong Kong
The manufacturer aims to gradually expand into diversified low-altitude operations.
AutoFlight announced on June 21 that it has been selected for the first batch of pilot projects under Hong Kong's "Regulatory Sandbox X," with its eVTOL aircraft being used in two of the four selected projects.
The specific model was not specified.
The program is coordinated by the Transport and Logistics Bureau and overseen by the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department.
Guided by the Hong Kong Low-Altitude Economy Task Force, AutoFlight, alongside China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited and AECOM Limited, will conduct phased route planning, flight parameter calibration, and full-process test flights across various Hong Kong scenarios.
The company aims to gradually expand into diversified low-altitude operations.
Named a key enterprise by the Hong Kong Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises in April, AutoFlight added it plans to advance eVTOL technology and rollouts, participate in low-altitude transport networks in Hong Kong, and collaborate with regulators and industry partners to drive Greater Bay Area growth.
While the eVTOL developer did not specify a timeline or detailed use cases beyond phased testing, local media interviews with executives and partners offer further context.
In April media interviews, following AutoFlight's designation as a key enterprise, Senior Vice President Xie Jia told Metro Radio that the company would begin with aircraft test flights in Hong Kong, followed by cargo transport trials, and eventually conduct preliminary tests for aerial sightseeing scenarios.
He added that AutoFlight plans to expand office space, pursue demonstrations and sales, and leverage Hong Kong’s AI talent for pilot training, noting that successful local applications could serve as Southeast Asian showcases.
The Standard, also reporting in April, quoted Xie calling Hong Kong a window for global expansion and a vital bridge between the mainland and international markets.
Xie said Hong Kong’s rich applications — from aerial sightseeing to cross-sea travel — make it an ideal pilot site for cargo and passenger transport, and that the company would establish a presence in the Northern Metropolis.
Separately, the South China Morning Post reported last month, citing AECOM technical director Steven Lui, that the first uncrewed eVTOL flight is expected within six months.
Lui said the initial focus will be transporting heavy construction materials to remote New Territories sites. He indicated that ecotourism — including Victoria Harbour aerial tours — would be a potential next step once cargo safety is proven.
The sandbox, an “extended” version of Hong Kong’s existing regulatory framework, was officially launched at an event on November 24, 2025, officiated by Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan and Director-General of Civil Aviation Victor Liu.
According to the government, the program is designed to accommodate more complex operational scenarios, including cross-boundary flights and passenger-carrying aircraft.
Meanwhile, a March 2025 sandbox phase included 38 projects, 29 of which are already implemented across logistics, emergency response, infrastructure inspections, and surveillance.
The government intends to draft a Low-Altitude Economy Action Plan by year-end.