The flying car industry is experiencing remarkable growth worldwide, and China is actively involved in this race. Kellen Xie, vice president of the Chinese eVTOL company AutoFlight Group, has revealed that the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has been actively collaborating to expedite the approval process and support the development of this technology.
The CAAC’s certification of AutoFlight’s unmanned CaryAll aircraft marks a significant milestone. It represents the first authorization of an eVTOL aircraft weighing over one metric ton for flight, bringing China closer to the realization of commercial flying cars.
The global competition for dominance in the emerging flying taxi market is intensifying, with significant funding flowing from entrepreneurs worldwide, particularly in the US, Europe, and China. The US has made significant progress in this area, granting approvals for eVTOL operations. AutoFlight, however, is still awaiting regulatory clearance in Europe.
China’s regulatory framework for eVTOL vehicles is currently evolving. These aircraft offer promising solutions for efficient transportation needs, combining vertical take-off capabilities similar to helicopters with the transition to a fixed-wing configuration for high-speed flight.
Analysts at Morgan Stanley predict that the eVTOL market, catering to various sectors such as airlines, logistics, emergency services, agriculture, tourism, and security operations, will reach a staggering $1.5 trillion by 2040.
In March, the CAAC certified AutoFlight’s CaryAll aircraft, marking a notable achievement in China’s pursuit of flying car technology. This approval brings China one step closer to its goal of introducing commercial flying cars.
Additionally, Alef Aeronautics’ Model A flying car secured approval from the Federal Aviation Administration in July, marking a historic milestone in the US. This vehicle combines the functionality of a driving car with the ability to transition into flight. Substantial reservations have been made for the $300,000 car, with potential deliveries commencing by the end of 2025.
