HK Media’s Sichuan-Chongqing Tour: Eyeing Hong Kong Market, Aerofugia Banks on Independent eVTOL R&D to Establish Asia-Pacific Low-Altitude Hub

Building competitive low-altitude economic ecosphere, promoted by new Policy Address, is making Hong Kong Asia-Pacific innovative application hub. “HK Media’s Sichuan-Chongqing Tour” Hong Kong media visiting group came to Sichuan Wofei Changkong Technology Development Co., Ltd. (Aerofugia), who is working on R&D and commercial operation of global low-altitude smart transportation aircraft.

Wofei Changkong Technology Development Co., Ltd. (Aerofugia). By Bastillepost.

When it comes to the low-altitude economy, eVTOLs and drones are hailed as the dual pillars of its future. eVTOL, which stands for "Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing aircraft," is a new type of aircraft that utilizes electric power for propulsion and possesses vertical take-off and landing capabilities. It does not require runways and combines electric propulsion technology with the demands of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM). Known for being environmentally friendly, low-noise, and highly efficient, it demonstrates significant potential in areas such as passenger transport, cargo delivery, and medical rescue, making it a crucial vehicle for driving the development of the low-altitude economy.

Wofei Changkong Technology Development Co., Ltd. (Aerofugia). By Bastillepost.

With urban and economic development, ground traffic has become increasingly congested. Aerospace began research on flying cars as early as 2006, initially developing the Transition in the United States, and gradually exploring various solutions towards electric aircraft. The company has experimented with numerous approaches. Hou Yi pointed out that a transformation in transportation is inevitable. Recognizing this major trend,  Aerospace has continuously invested in R&D. It is precisely because of the experience and technological foundation accumulated over years of research and development that they have produced the AE200, a 5-6 seat class tilt-rotor pure electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) manned aircraft product.

In a densely built metropolis like Hong Kong with its numerous skyscrapers, are there any difficulties for eVTOL operations? Hou Yi, Senior Product Manager at Aerospace, stated that it poses no issues whatsoever. Particularly for takeoff and landing within the city, eVTOL vertiports can be constructed on the rooftops of high-rise buildings. Precisely because eVTOLs are capable of vertical takeoff and landing, they do not require a long, gradual climb. They can ascend vertically from a skyscraper rooftop directly to a safe flight altitude and proceed straight to their destination. Therefore, high-rise buildings pose no impact on the flight operations.

Hou Yi, Senior Product Manager at Aerospace. By Bastillepost.

Hou Yi disclosed that the company has already received orders for over 1000 units from both domestic and international clients, primarily involving cultural tourism sectors, financial leasing companies, and business jet operators.

By Bastillepost.

Regarding the current biggest challenges in the development process, Hou Yi pointed out that the first is obtaining the type certificate, which signifies that the aircraft's design safety level has been approved by the authorities. For successful operation, support from infrastructure is also essential, including the construction of vertical take-off and landing airports​​ (vertiports) within cities, along with charging facilities. These require urban planning and promotion efforts from the industry and relevant stakeholders.

By Bastillepost.

Furthermore, how to enhance public confidence in this new mode of transportation is also a key focus for Aerospace. According to market research and face-to-face questionnaires conducted by Aerospace, results show that approximately over 90% of respondents expressed strong interest in this type of aircraft and are willing to try it, indicating high public confidence in its safety. Additionally, as  Aerospace is a company with an aviation background, the development of the AE200 vertical take-off and landing aircraft strictly adhered to various standards and requirements for standard civil aviation products. Therefore, its standards are comparable to, or even more stringent than, those for general aviation helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, etc., ensuring very safe operation of the aircraft.

Speaking about the Hong Kong market, Hou Yi stated that Aerospace actively participates in relevant exhibitions and has noted that Hong Kong has a regulatory sandbox for the low-altitude economy. The company is actively engaging with local participants in Hong Kong, such as the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, for communication and exchange. Hou Yi pointed out that the company is targeting the Hong Kong market because its economic scale and consumption level are well-suited for the operation of such new aircraft.

Hou Yi explained that vertiports could be set up in Hong Kong's city center and connected to major transport hubs, establishing direct low-altitude flight routes to further improve travel efficiency. Additionally, some of Hong Kong's outlying islands are relatively inaccessible, requiring ferry rides and transfers to other ground transport. Once such air travel services become available, residents in these slightly remote island areas will enjoy much greater travel convenience.

Hou Yi mentioned that another application direction in the Hong Kong market is emergency rescue. In traditional emergency rescue, if an ambulance needs to reach remote areas to provide medical assistance, it often requires a significant amount of time. However, by adopting aerial methods—especially with the specialized models for aerial medical rescue that Hou Yi’s team plans to launch in the future—the time required for medical rescue can be greatly reduced, ultimately helping to save more lives.

Alongside the Government’s push to develop Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy, drone sports have been gaining in popularity.

Aerial showdown: Drone soccer is a team-based aerial sport that involves pilots manoeuvring drones encased in spherical shields, with the aim of scoring by flying through the opposition’s goal hoop. Image source: news.gov.hk

Secondary 2 student Lawrence Tong is a devotee of drone soccer who already has rich drone experience under his belt. He recently joined four teammates to compete in a five-a-side drone soccer tournament at Cyberport.

“I enjoy drone soccer because it helps me improve communication and teamwork, as well as my problem-solving and observation skills,” he said.

The team-based aerial sport involves pilots manoeuvring drones encased in spherical shields. Some pilots act as defenders and others as strikers, and the aim is to score by flying through the opponent’s goal hoop, which is suspended in the air.

Lawrence began learning to programme drones in Primary 1, and was introduced to drone soccer by his extracurricular activity teacher in Primary 4. Now captain of his school’s drone club, he is proficient in everything from drone maintenance to piloting and in-game tactical adaptation.

Drone dream: Drone soccer tournament participant Lawrence Tong hopes the sport helps players improve their communication and problem-solving skills, adding that he hopes to study drone-related subjects in the future. Image source: news.gov.hk

Drone dream

At the tournament, Lawrence analysed the opposing teams before each match and adjusted the drone setups. In between matches, he checked for damage and had to perform quick repairs, such as replacing broken propellers.

He emphasised that teamwork is the key to success in the game, explaining that if a defensive player is knocked out by an opponent, other pilots must quickly shift positions to cover.

Though his team trailed early on in the competition, they eventually found their rhythm and secured fourth place.

Looking ahead, Lawrence said he would like to study drone-related subjects if he gets the chance.

“For now, I will prioritise my studies while continuing to develop my interests. But if I could pursue a career in this field in the future, that would be a dream come true.”

Close alignment: The drone soccer tournament held at Cyberport conformed with the competition rules and standards followed by the 15th National Games, which include an aircraft modelling competition as a mass participation event. Image source: news.gov.hk

Nurturing talent

The tournament was hosted by the DNT FPV Drone Association Hong Kong, China, and drew participants from both secondary and primary schools across Hong Kong, as well as other cities in the Greater Bay Area.

The association’s chairman Sky Yeung highlighted that everything about the event – from the competition rules and drone specifications to the size of the goal hoop – aligned with the standards followed by the 15th National Games, currently underway in Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong. For the first time, the roster of mass participation events at the games includes an aircraft modelling competition, featuring drone soccer, drone racing and indoor radio-controlled air combat.

He added that the Cyberport tournament also aimed to give more young people a taste of drone sports and build their problem-solving capabilities.

“For different drones, how to gain the balance, how to have a longer flight time – these all are related to aerodynamics and also the drone technology.

“So the students need to know how to control the drone manually. They need to modify the drone – for example, the flight time, battery lifetime, ESC (electronic speed controller), and PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative control).”

He added that these skills have practical applications beyond the context of sports – from search and rescue operations to cargo lifting and pipe inspections.

Currently, the drone association provides drone-related courses and activities to around 150 local schools.

Mr Yeung believes that Hong Kong youths have immense potential when it comes to innovation and creativity, and that nurturing young drone sports talent can contribute to the city’s low-altitude economy in the future.

Cultivating potential: DNT FPV Drone Association Hong Kong, China Chairman Sky Yeung says the technology used in drone soccer has practical applications, such as in search and rescue operations, and aims to nurture young talent to support the development of Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy. Image source: news.gov.hk

Dedicated facility

Drone sports encompasses a wide variety of formats besides soccer – drone racing, for example, involves pilots flying high-speed drones through obstacle courses.

Racing drones, also known as FPV (first-person view) drones, stream live video from an onboard camera to a pilot’s goggles and can reach speeds of up to 300km per hour. Accordingly, they require venues with high safety standards, and – as Mr Yeung explained – until recently this meant participants often had to travel to other cities in the Greater Bay Area in order to train.

That changed, however, with the opening of Hong Kong’s first drone sports centre at Cyberport in October. The drone association now makes use of this enclosed and safe environment to conduct drone training and explore real-world applications.

Cyberport Management Company Head of Engineering Services Eddie Lok reported that the facility has received a keen response in terms of bookings from drone sports enthusiasts and training providers, and has already hosted a fun day in addition to training sessions.

“With drone sports now featured in both the National Games and the World Games, Cyberport plans to host cross-boundary matches involving Chinese Mainland teams, and even bring international tournaments to Hong Kong in order to promote drone sports on a global scale.”

With the construction of Cyberport 5 set to be completed next month, Mr Lok added that Cyberport will continue to support the Government’s development of Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy and invest in facilities based on industry needs.

Flying start: Cyberport Management Company Head of Engineering Services Eddie Lok says the drone sports centre has received a keen response in terms of bookings since its launch, and has already accommodated three events. Image source: news.gov.hk