Loke launches roadmap for air taxis, drone services by 2030

 Transport minister says the regulatory framework will provide the necessary foundation for safe airspace integration, operational oversight, industry development, and future mobility solutions.

Transport minister Loke Siew Fook at the launch of the Low-Altitude Economy roadmap in Putrajaya today.

PUTRAJAYA:

Malaysia launched a roadmap today to introduce air taxis and drone services by 2030 and position the country as a regional player in the emerging low-altitude economy.

Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), which is spearheading the initiative, has been tasked with developing a comprehensive regulatory framework to support the safe integration of autonomous aircraft into Malaysian airspace.

“This regulatory framework will provide the necessary foundation to support safe airspace integration, operational oversight, industry development, and future mobility solutions,” he said at the launch of the Low-Altitude Economy (LAE) roadmap here.

Under the plan, CAAM is targeting the rollout of limited commercial freight drone services as early as the first quarter of 2027. Passenger drones and air taxi services will require further studies and testing before regulatory approval can be granted.

Loke said Malaysia should also develop its own maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities and manufacturing standards for the sector, which remains at an early stage compared with traditional aviation and aerospace industries.

The LAE covers economic activities from 1,000m and below with craft operating at low altitudes, including cargo delivery, infrastructure inspection, emergency response, and advanced air mobility services.

CAAM CEO Norazman Mahmud said several Chinese companies have expressed interest in the low-altitude industry, although foreign operators will need to form joint ventures with local firms before commencing operations in the country.

Loke told reporters after the launch that the LAE is part of the national agenda to develop the country’s unmanned aircraft ecosystem and unlock new economic opportunities.

He said the roadmap would serve as a blueprint for providing clear regulatory guidelines and standards for operators, investors, and government agencies.

“We hope to announce it (the blueprint) by the end of this year,” he said.

He also noted that drones are widely used in countries such as China for cargo delivery, passenger transport, emergency response, and firefighting operations, while agricultural drones have become increasingly common in rural areas in Malaysia.

The LAE ecosystem includes drones, advanced air mobility, urban air mobility, autonomous aerial logistics, and air taxis. - FMT