The electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft industry is rapidly evolving, with China emerging as a global leader in this transformative sector. As urban air mobility (UAM) gains traction worldwide, Chinese manufacturers are at the forefront of innovation, regulatory advancements, and market expansion.
Test flights of the AutoFlight air taxi have been successful, and air taxi services will soon be launched in China. However, there could well be countries that will overtake China in the air taxi sector.
In the wake of the automotive electric revolution, the sky appears to be the next frontier. A segment once earmarked for futuristic sci-fi flicks, air taxis and electric flying cars are rapidly transitioning from fantasy to reality. As metropolises sprawl and urban traffic congestion worsens, the push for novel transit solutions intensifies.
In a spectacular display of technological prowess, Autoflight, a joint venture between German and Chinese talents, recently showcased the advanced capabilities of their newest Prosperity aircraft. This cutting-edge eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing – a type of aircraft that can take off, hover and land vertically) astonishingly covered a distance of 250 kilometres within a span of 98 minutes, solely powered by its onboard battery.
These air taxis have already completed their test flights and are likely to open up air taxi travel in the coming years.