Letters | Why Hong Kong must prepare ground for low-altitude economy to take flight

Readers discuss the economic potential of the drone-related industry, the plan to increase the number of CCTV cameras in the city, and the abuse of a young inmate

Hong Kong economy

Letters

Published: 11:30am, 29 Jan 2024

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Recently, the low-altitude economy became a hot topic in China and many parts of the world. “Low altitude” generally refers to airspace up to 1,000 metres above ground; the “low-altitude economy” refers to economic activities within this part of airspace, involving vehicles such as drones, unmanned aerial vehicles and possibly flying cars and services like transport, logistics and tourism.

A Chinese consulting firm estimated that China’s low-altitude economy was worth 2.5 trillion yuan (US$352 million) in 2022, and would reach up to 5 trillion yuan by 2025. Shenzhen has been leading this industry. The city flew 600,000 cargo drones in 2023, the most among Chinese cities.

Multinational giants such as Google’s parent company Alphabet, Amazon and UPS are also actively investing in related projects. In mid-2019, Wing, a subsidiary of Alphabet, launched a pilot drone service delivering groceries and food in Helsinki. The world’s largest drone superhighway in the United Kingdom is expected to be launched by May. Project Skyway, which was allotted over £12 million (US$15 million) by the government, will connect cities such as Cambridge and Rugby, servicing 1.2 million people.

According to consulting firm McKinsey, drones could be more cost-effective for package delivery than traditional transport modes. For example, for a five-mile delivery of a single 216-cubic inch package (six inches each side), the unit cost by drone could be US$1.50 to US$2 if one operator monitors 20 drones, compared to US$1.90 by internal combustion engine van, assuming each van carries 100 packages and delivers them in a single trip, which is not always possible. The cost estimate included energy, labour and insurance.

In Hong Kong, a drone manufacturer cooperated with a fast-food restaurant to test flights at the Science Park as early as 2017. While the process was reported to be smooth, there doesn’t seem to have been further development since.

We have many outlying islands and suburbs that are not well connected by railways or roads. These areas, as well as new development areas such as the Northern Metropolis, are most suitable for embracing the low-altitude economy to provide services such as construction inspection and food delivery.

Meanwhile, I suggest the government review regulations and related supporting measures, such as landing points, airspace management and flight paths, to expedite the development of cross-boundary low-altitude transport services with other cities in the Greater Bay Area. By doing so, we can also create new impetus for Hong Kong’s economic growth.

Dr Winnie Tang, adjunct professor, faculties of engineering, social sciences and architecture, University of Hong Kong

Assuage public concerns about security cameras

Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Warner Cheuk Wing-hing recently announced that the authorities are going to install about 2,000 cameras across Hong Kong this year to combat crime, especially in crowded areas like Yau Tsim Mong district.

This measure has been supported by legislators but the government should explain it in more detail, as some of us are still concerned about privacy.

Currently, CCTV cameras are widely used in public places such as transport infrastructure and shopping malls. The police also launched Project Carcams last year to encourage drivers to report crimes. It is generally believed that the installation of cameras helps deter crime. In fact, cameras have been installed in many nations to protect citizens’ property, and Hong Kong should not fall behind.

Those with privacy concerns should note that there are already thousands of cameras around us everywhere, some of which are private dash cams. Still, the authorities could perhaps indicate the locations of cameras and sites of surveillance to assuage concerns. The most important thing is that the use of surveillance footage is strictly regulated.

When residents understand their privacy is protected, it will be easier to gain their support.

Jack Chung, Sham Shui Po

Something is rotten in the city of Hong Kong

I write in relation to reports of a young male inmate allegedly suffering abuse by prison staff that resulted in anal and rectal injuries.

This is arguably symptomatic of the general mentality of the city we live in, where many see human dignity as something that needs to be earned and is not a given.

This is reflected in our attitudes to the homeless, and in stories of sushi shops poisoning unsold food before throwing it into the trash. This is reflected in our attitudes to those struggling with mental health: when surveyed in 2018, one-third of respondents said they would not continue to be friends with someone diagnosed with mental illness.

Indeed, our attitudes to those in prison might be reflected by recent criticism of a prison project with visiting rooms as wasteful.

It is perhaps not surprising that a prison officer socialised in a Hong Kong like this may feel empowered to abuse a young prisoner. This is a city where you are only respected as a human being if you are rich and successful.

Will Chan, Tseung Kwan O