Editorial | Drones must deliver on the safety front in Hong Kong
- Hong Kong right to conduct pilot schemes for hi-tech transport of goods in open spaces with fewer people about
The delivery of goods by drone is not a matter of if, but when. While Hong Kong must keep an eye on safety, this economical and efficient method of delivery is the future in serving customers. The government is taking the right steps to explore such hi-tech usage, but in phases – to better identify problems and ensure safety – rather than rolling out services in one go. In this, the city is following the mainland, which can offer plenty of examples and lessons to learn from.
Officials have disclosed that the Northern Metropolis and the Kau Yi Chau artificial islands have been identified as feasible locations to launch such pilot schemes. Their open spaces and lower population densities make them ideal for the experiment.
Qualified companies will be allowed to take part. The novelty of the experience will make the service an added attraction for customers. Depending on the results, services provided by unmanned aircraft may gradually expand to cover wider areas and to carry heavier goods and equipment. Cutting out vehicle delivery, it will also be friendlier to the environment.
Safety is, of course, paramount, especially with the city’s high-rises and crowded areas. Legal and regulatory issues will need to be worked out as they will involve authorities such as those dealing with maritime traffic, civil aviation and telecoms. But now Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has thrown his full weight behind the drone initiative, the bureaucratic red tape can be cut to make way for serious regulation and legislation.
On the mainland, Meituan, China’s most popular food delivery platform, has been a pioneer. Last year, it launched fourth-generation drones for urban delivery. In 2022, the company made more than 100,000 drone deliveries in Shenzhen, whose dense urban environment rivals that of Hong Kong.