Recently, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms. Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, returned from official business in Beijing, relaying Director Xia Baolong of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office’s concerns for Hong Kong. He specifically highlighted the city’s unique marine resources, urging the SAR to innovate and develop coastal and island tourism. These remarks serve both as sage guidance and a wake-up call for the Hong Kong government. While the administration has energetically promoted market research and the development of the low-altitude economy, it has yet to unveil policies or ideas that fully leverage Hong Kong’s geographical advantages in tandem with low-altitude economic growth to truly realize the concept of “tourism everywhere” in the city.
The government recently announced the results of the first batch of 38 pilot projects under the “Low-Altitude Economy Regulatory Sandbox,” covering logistics, public services, and scientific research, but none related to tourism. In fact, Victoria Harbour is one of the world’s three great natural deep-water ports (alongside San Francisco Bay in the US and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil), boasting both shipping and tourism value, and holds immense potential as a tourist hotspot. Industry insiders have previously recommended transforming the airspace above Victoria Harbour into a low-altitude racecourse for aerial competitions, but the government’s response was lukewarm at the time. Just recently, a Cathay Pacific aircraft’s low pass over Victoria Harbour drew crowds and went viral on social media. If thrilling low-altitude air races—such as Air Race X or Air Race E—were held over the harbour, they would undoubtedly attract spectators from around the world.
The “Red Bull Air Race” (2003–2019) and the rapidly growing Air Race X series are globally acclaimed low-altitude competitions conducted over harbours, generating enormous economic benefits for host cities. At its peak, the Red Bull Air Race could create over US$100 million in economic value for a host city, drawing major brands to sponsor events with million-dollar deals and boosting the local high-end tourism sector. A five-day race could bring in 18,000 overnight stays for the local hospitality industry.
After Kai Tak Airport was relocated, its old runway became an ideal launch site for low-altitude races over Victoria Harbour. The former Kai Tak runway, built in a densely populated urban area, is a world-renowned aviation landmark with significant historical and tourism value. It also meets the requirements for low-altitude races: at least 1,000 meters of runway and a 2.5 km × 1.5 km obstacle-free zone. Located beside the harbour, the runway and both shores can accommodate large crowds, and hosting air races here would not disrupt operations at Chek Lap Kok Airport. With hotels, tourism, and shopping districts nearby, holding air races at Kai Tak would attract high-spending visitors and racing teams, boosting the overall tourism economy.
Kai Tak Airport, nestled beneath Lion Rock and just a road away from Kowloon City, once featured one of the world’s most challenging runways. Unfortunately, more than two decades of redevelopment at Kai Tak have failed to creatively utilize the runway’s unique history and features to generate greater economic opportunities. Recent government policy documents have repeatedly emphasized the “tourism everywhere” vision. This concept calls for distinctive planning and development based on a site’s geography, surroundings, and history, to build the Hong Kong brand. While the new sports park and cruise terminal at Kai Tak are welcome, the parks and recreational areas built on the former runway need not have been sited there by necessity. On-site research by SD Advocates found that most of the original 3,390-meter runway is now used for recreation or construction, rather than preserved for unique industries.
Although Kai Tak no longer has a 1,000-meter runway for fixed-wing aircraft takeoffs and landings, where there’s a will, there’s a way. If our goal is to create “innovative tourism projects,” then developing a “harbour low-altitude air race” is a worthy target. With a clear objective, our flexible minds can surely make it happen. Director Xia once gave Hong Kong a piece of advice: “Break through and innovate.” We should not hesitate to experiment and adapt to local conditions to explore feasible solutions.
While the Red Bull Air Race and Air Race X are the most spectacular, they use fixed-wing aircraft with the highest runway requirements. However, as the industry evolves, new types of low-altitude aircraft are emerging. For example, the recent Airspeeder racing league uses quadcopter eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles), which are far more flexible—most designs require only vertical takeoff and landing pads, not runways. Even those needing a short takeoff roll (like the Lilium Jet) require just 50–100 meters of runway. These aircraft can be piloted remotely or with onboard pilots, racing at speeds over 120 km/h. In 2022, Airspeeder attracted over 100,000 online viewers in addition to live spectators. Market estimates suggest each Airspeeder event generates several million US dollars in direct economic impact.
The former Kai Tak runway, now surrounded by parks, is well-suited for eVTOL races. Authorities could consider planning and design adjustments to make Kai Tak a host for international low-altitude competitions like Airspeeder, drawing global tourists to our beautiful harbour. Compared to traditional aerobatic aircraft, eVTOLs are mostly electric, making these events greener and safer—ideal for dense cities. Mainland China is already a global leader in battery and electric drive systems, offering opportunities for Hong Kong to collaborate with tech firms like DJI (drones) and SenseTime (AI), integrating technology ecosystems into race operations.
Hong Kong’s abundant bays remain underdeveloped. Places like Inspiration Lake on Lantau and the open airspace above many outlying islands are ideal for low-altitude events. Besides eVTOL races, it’s also possible to use these prime bays and airspace for other events requiring longer runways. With Chek Lap Kok Airport among the world’s busiest, it’s worth studying whether race aircraft could still take off and land there. As the saying goes, “If you lack the conditions, create them.” We could consider building temporary runways on outlying islands by compacting and leveling grass or soil and laying modular runway panels or mats, thus providing the necessary infrastructure. Even constructing wide seawalls extending into the sea as race tracks could be explored. Many low-altitude events, such as seaplane competitions, use water as the racecourse—perfect for leveraging our bays and promoting sea–land–air entertainment.
Many may have forgotten that Hong Kong, in addition to the old Kai Tak and Chek Lap Kok airports, also has Shek Kong Airfield. Located in Yuen Long, Shek Kong is a military airfield but not off-limits. In the 1970s and 1980s, the Hong Kong Kart Club (KAOHKC) held 27 international kart grand prix events there. Although Shek Kong is now used by the PLA garrison, it is sometimes loaned to the Hong Kong Aviation Club for light aircraft training. With a 1,400-meter runway, Shek Kong meets the 200–400 meter runway requirements for light sport and aerobatic aircraft. Given Hong Kong’s compact size, pilots could easily fly from Shek Kong to Victoria Harbour for races and performances, allowing audiences at both locations to enjoy the spectacle—a win-win. Such events have already been held in Sichuan in recent years, and with just one or two events per year, Shek Kong is a viable option. Of course, authorities would need to negotiate with the garrison to “break down barriers and loosen restrictions” for these events.
These proposals require bold decision-makers to cut through bureaucratic red tape and communicate effectively with industry stakeholders to succeed. We believe Secretary Law has the resolve and capability to seize this opportunity, harness Hong Kong’s unique resources and strengths, and develop a bay and events economy that will make the city proud.