This article only represents the author's own views.
Today’s Hong Kong is entering a pivotal moment in its urban evolution as the low-altitude economy (LAE) shifts from concept to becoming critical infrastructure. As cities worldwide explore new aerial corridors for logistics, inspection, and public safety applications, Hong Kong stands out due to its tightly packed skyline, ageing building stock and rising demand for safer urban operations.
With buildings averaging an age of 34.3 years and 19.2% of those built more than 50 years ago, the city faces increasing pressure to modernize how it inspects, repairs, and manages its vertical infrastructure. This is where the LAE begins to show its transformative potential that supports smarter, faster and safer city management.