On Sunday, AeroHT, a subsidiary of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng, achieved a significant milestone as its flying car, the X2, took off for the first time in Beijing. The historic flight occurred at Beijing Daxing International Airport, marking a pivotal step towards the commercialisation of flying cars in China. This development aligns with increasing government support for the burgeoning low-altitude economy.
The X2’s maiden flight was a highlight of the China Langfang International Economic and Trade Fair, which began on the same day and will run through Thursday. This event provided a platform for AeroHT to demonstrate its cutting-edge technology to a wide audience, underscoring the potential of flying cars in modern transportation. Back in April, AeroHT, led by Xpeng co-founder and CEO He Xiaopeng, announced its plans to prepare for the commercial launch of its flying car. The company aims to start taking orders in the fourth quarter of this year, although they have not yet disclosed the expected price range. This move signals AeroHT’s readiness to bring flying cars to market, driven by advancements in technology and favourable government policies.
China’s low-altitude economy, which includes businesses operating drones and manned aerial vehicles below 3,000 meters, has seen rapid growth since 2021. This surge has been fueled by supportive policies and regulations introduced by the central government to promote this emerging sector. The inclusion of the low-altitude economy in the central government’s 2024 work report further highlights its significance. Official data published in April revealed that 26 provincial governments have developed plans for the low-altitude economy. In March, Beijing municipality unveiled a blueprint for its low-altitude sector, which includes establishing three major air routes connecting neighbouring areas by 2027. These routes are designed to facilitate various scenarios, including emergency rescue, logistics, cultural tourism, and daily commuting.
The low-altitude market in China is projected to exceed 1 trillion yuan (approximately US$138 billion) by 2026, up from 506 billion yuan in 2023. This forecast by the China Centre for Information Industry Development highlights the vast economic potential of the sector. AeroHT’s X2 completed its first public flight in Dubai in October 2022, showcasing its capabilities on an international stage. In China, AeroHT faces competition from companies like Aerofugia, a subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, and Ehang, which recently completed the Middle East’s first autonomous passenger-carrying flight.
Despite the promising developments, the widespread commercial rollout of flying cars faces challenges. Wu Ximing, deputy director of the Science and Technology Committee of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, pointed out issues such as underdeveloped infrastructure and a lack of industry-wide standards. These challenges need to be addressed to facilitate the large-scale adoption of flying cars.
The successful maiden flight of Xpeng’s X2 flying car in Beijing marks a significant milestone in the development of China’s low-altitude economy. With continued government support and technological advancements, the commercialization of flying cars is on the horizon. As AeroHT and its competitors push forward, the vision of integrating flying cars into everyday transportation is becoming increasingly feasible.
