China is rapidly emerging as a global leader in the flying car industry, leveraging its extensive experience in electric vehicles and drone technology to overcome technical barriers that have grounded similar initiatives worldwide.
EV Expertise Fuels Aviation Breakthrough
At a factory in Guangzhou, workers are pioneering the mass production of flying vehicles, with Chinese companies building on the country's advanced electric vehicle supply chain. The lightweight six-propeller aircraft under construction can take off vertically and are designed to fit into what's called the "Land Aircraft Carrier" - a modular flying vehicle system developed by Aridge, a subsidiary of Chinese EV maker XPeng.
According to Professor Zhang Yangjun from Tsinghua University's School of Vehicle and Mobility, "China has the potential to establish a competitive edge" in this emerging sector. He emphasized that future competition will depend heavily on cost control and supply-chain efficiency, areas where China holds clear advantages.
Production Scaling and Market Readiness
The Aridge factory has begun its trial production phase in early November 2025 and can produce one flying car unit every 30 minutes at full capacity. The company has reported receiving more than 7,000 pre-orders and plans to start deliveries next year.
However, significant challenges remain before flying cars become commonplace. Michael Du, vice president of Aridge, noted that regulations, consumer comfort, airspace management, and supply chains all need to catch up gradually with the technological advancements.
Globally, the sector has faced numerous obstacles, with several high-profile insolvencies in Europe and leading US companies burning through cash without achieving mass production targets.
Global Competition and Regulatory Milestones
Competition in the aerial mobility space is intensifying, with Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently teasing the debut of a flying car prototype. Meanwhile, Chinese company EHang has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the world's first flying car company to receive full approval for commercial operation.
EHang plans to introduce an air taxi service within three years, priced similarly to premium road taxis. The company's progress reflects China's strategic focus on what Beijing terms the "low-altitude economy" - encompassing flying cars, drones, and air taxis - which has been designated as a strategic field for the next five years.
According to a Boston Consulting Group report, China's flying car market is approaching a critical inflection point and is predicted to be worth $41 billion by 2040. Provincial governments from Guangdong to Sichuan have pledged to loosen restrictions to facilitate this growth.
Brandon Wang, a Beijing-based investor whose portfolio includes flying cars, highlighted China's advantages, noting that flying cars can use EV parts once certified for aviation use, potentially helping Chinese companies scale up more efficiently than international competitors.
