Hong Kong delivery platform Lalamove and professional services firm EY have announced a new partnership aimed at supporting the city’s growing Hong Kong Low Altitude Economy through the use of drone technology and advanced logistics solutions.
The collaboration is designed to combine Lalamove’s logistics network with EY’s expertise in business planning, governance, risk management, and tax advisory services. Together, the companies hope to develop new business models that make greater use of low-altitude airspace while expanding opportunities across the Greater Bay Area.
Company representatives said the partnership focuses on exploring practical commercial applications for drone-based transport and delivery services. The initiative is expected to support innovation in logistics while helping businesses prepare for future changes in urban transportation.
A key part of the project involves equipment supplied by Yixin Smart Technology Company, a drone manufacturer based in Ningbo. The company’s drones will participate in Hong Kong’s regulatory sandbox program, which allows selected organizations to test new technologies in a controlled environment while regulators evaluate their safety and operational performance.
The regulatory sandbox was introduced to help companies develop and test low-altitude aviation technologies before wider commercial deployment. The program allows government agencies and private companies to gather operational data while refining future regulations for drone operations.
Lalamove said its experience in last-mile delivery and logistics management could help identify new opportunities for drone transportation. By integrating aerial delivery systems with existing ground-based networks, the company aims to improve delivery efficiency and support future logistics services across the region.
EY will contribute advisory services covering business strategy, operational planning, governance, risk assessment, financial modelling, and tax and customs matters. The firm said these services are intended to help organizations adopt emerging technologies while meeting regulatory and business requirements.
The partnership reflects growing interest in the development of the low-altitude economy, a sector that includes drone logistics, aerial inspections, emergency services, infrastructure monitoring, and other commercial activities using low-flying aircraft.
Governments and businesses across Asia have increasingly explored the use of drones to improve transportation efficiency, reduce delivery times, and expand access to services in urban and rural areas. Hong Kong has also introduced several initiatives to encourage innovation in smart mobility and advanced aviation technologies.
Supporters of the low-altitude economy believe drone technology could create new business opportunities while strengthening supply chains and improving logistics performance. However, wider adoption will depend on continued regulatory development, public safety measures, and successful testing through pilot programs.
The collaboration between Lalamove and EY represents another step in Hong Kong’s efforts to develop advanced transportation technologies and position itself as a regional center for innovation. As testing continues through the regulatory sandbox, the project is expected to provide valuable experience for businesses and regulators exploring the future of drone-based commercial services in the Greater Bay Area.
