On 29 September 2025, the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) conducted a drone performance test flight at the Shaw Sports Complex on campus, as part of the sandbox regulatory project for the low-altitude economy (LAE). The successful test marks a new phase in PolyU AAE’s initiative to advance regulatory frameworks and operational standards for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in urban environments.
The test flight, carried out in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Department (CAD), evaluated key drone performance metrics under controlled conditions, focusing on safety, efficiency and compliance with emerging low-altitude airspace regulations. The sandbox project aims to create a scalable model for integrating drone technology into Hong Kong’s transportation and logistics ecosystems.
Drone performance evaluation at Shaw Sports Complex, PolyU.
Sandbox project advances the low-altitude economy framework
The sandbox regulatory project, led by PolyU AAE, provides a controlled environment for testing and validating drone operations, contributing to standardised safety protocols and performance benchmarks. The test flight demonstrated the practical application of these standards, assessing factors such as flight stability, navigation accuracy and payload capacity.
“Today’s test flight is a critical step forward in our low altitude economy initiatives,” said a representative from the AAE department. “By working closely with regulatory bodies like CAD, we are paving the way for scalable and safe drone integration in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.”
AAE and CAD teams during the sandbox regulatory assessment.
Collaboration for future urban air mobility
The event highlighted the growing collaboration between academic institutions and government agencies in shaping the future of urban air mobility. Beyond technical performance, the sandbox project also addresses regulatory challenges such as airspace management and public safety.
“PolyU’s sandbox project serves as a model for how academia and regulators can work together to foster innovation while ensuring safety and compliance,” added a CAD official. “We are excited to see these efforts translate into real-world applications.”
Next steps
Following the successful test flight, PolyU AAE plans to expand the sandbox project to more complex scenarios, such as multi-drone operations and extended-visual-line-of-sight (EVLOS) flights. The department will also continue to engage industry partners and policymakers to drive the adoption of low-altitude economy solutions across the region.
Discussing future phases of the sandbox regulatory project.
The sandbox regulatory project supports Hong Kong’s broader goal of becoming a hub for technological innovation, particularly in smart city development and sustainable transportation. PolyU AAE continues to contribute its expertise in aeronautics and aviation engineering to the region’s economic and technological advancement.