Malaysia launches plan for commercial cargo and passenger drone services by 2030
Chinese companies have expressed interest in developing the country’s low-altitude industry
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[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia launched a plan on Wednesday (Jun 24) to offer commercial low-altitude cargo and passenger drone services by 2030, with limited freight operations expected to begin by early next year.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the aviation regulator, which is leading the initiative, has been instructed to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework that can serve as a blueprint for the emerging sector.
“This regulatory framework will provide the necessary foundations to support safe airspace integration, operational oversight, industry development and future mobility solutions,” Loke said at the launch event.
Malaysia should develop its own maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) and manufacturing standards for the low-altitude economy, which has yet to reach the maturity seen in traditional aviation and aerospace industries, Loke said.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) deems airspace up to 3,000 metres (9,840 ft) above ground as low altitude.
The CAAM is targeting limited commercial services for freight drones to be offered by the first quarter of 2027.
It said further studies and tests must be conducted before it begins granting approval for passenger drones and air taxis.
Chinese companies have expressed interest in developing Malaysia’s low-altitude industry, but would be required to enter joint ventures with local firms to begin operating, CAAM chief executive Norazman Mahmud told reporters, without naming any firms. REUTERS
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