Today the Association of the Bulgarian Aviation Industry ABAI had the honour to be an official participant in the Hong Kong Belt & Road Low-Altitude Economy Conference, dedicated to the future of low-altitude aviation and innovation in unmanned technologies.
The forum was held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre and brought together more than 400 participants from over 30 countries – representatives from government institutions, regulatory bodies, research centres, technology companies, industry associations and international investors.
The event opened with formal addresses from senior representatives of the Hong Kong Administration, international diplomatic and economic organisations and leaders of the Silk Road Cities Alliance. Highlights focused on the dynamic global transformation in the low-rise economy and the strategic role of unmanned systems in logistics, security, agriculture, transportation, medicine, industry and public services.
Why is this an important moment for Bulgaria?
The low-cost industry is already establishing itself as a new global economic sector with its own infrastructure, standards, regulations, professions and market. Countries around the world are building so-called “droneports”, air corridors, certification centres, pilot demonstration zones and industrial parking-technology hubs.
Bulgaria has a real potential to be part of this process – not only as a consumer, but also as a creator country, developing training programmes, certification standards, applied technologies and international partnerships.
Upcoming signing of a strategic memorandum of cooperation
During the forum, ABAI negotiated the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Silk Road Cities Alliance and the Beijing Belt & Road Cooperative Community, international structures coordinating initiatives and exchanges between Silk Road countries.
The document foresees:
joint international forums, trainings and expert meetings;
exchange of knowledge and best practices in low-altitude aviation, regulations and technologies;
working groups for the establishment of pilot demonstration programs in Bulgaria;
preparation of a concept for an Eastern European base for drone technologies and agro-applications;
analysis and planning of a Bulgarian industrial park for low-altitude economy;
conducting training programs, internships, technological
ABAI’s position
For ABAI, this participation is part of a strategic goal to develop international partnerships that:
accelerate innovation in aviation,
create conditions for the development of new professions and training programs,
support certification and standardization of the sector,
build an ecosystem in which government, business, science and education work together.
Looking ahead
This international participation is not symbolic – it puts Bulgaria on the map of countries actively involved in building the new aviation industry.
We are working with a clear sense of responsibility: in the coming years, low-altitude aviation will be a decisive factor for the economy, security, infrastructure and technological leadership.
ABAI will continue to:
represent the Bulgarian aviation sector internationally;
help build the conditions for industry development;
support training, regulation, innovation and international cooperation.
This is a strong and important moment – the beginning of a new stage for the Bulgarian aviation ecosystem.
