China's flying cars enter critical development phase: 200 km range, 230 km/h speed, and a 10 trillion yuan market by 2035
Altitude up to 3,000 meters, six passenger seats, vertical takeoff and landing — new models are redefining urban transport and becoming the engine of the low altitude economy, which China has designated as a strategic priority.
As reported by CCTV+, flying cars in China are entering a critical stage of development. New models are expected to transform urban transport and soon become a driving force behind the low altitude economy (operations below 3,000 meters).
In Chengdu (Sichuan Province), a six seat electric flying car for urban transport is undergoing airworthiness certification. The cabin features flexible layout and automatically adjustable seats — comfort comparable to premium electric vehicles.
Maximum range is 200 kilometers, top speed 230 km/h. The first phase of testing is complete.
„A direct flight from Mount Qingcheng to Shuangliu International Airport takes just nine minutes. We have received nearly 2,000 pre orders domestically and hundreds of confirmed orders,“ said Liang Jun, representative of Aerofugia (a Geely Auto subsidiary). Future applications include low altitude tourism, urban commuting, and emergency rescue.
In Guangzhou, another model successfully completed its first public flight. Maximum takeoff weight is 950 kg, wingspan 8 meters. Doors open sideways like a car. Eight lift propellers enable vertical takeoff, and a rear pusher propeller provides strong thrust. The aircraft is designed for medium and long distance routes across cities, seas, and mountains.
Zhang Yangjun, professor at Tsinghua University's School of Vehicle and Mobility, noted that flying cars are currently used in time critical scenarios: emergency medical transport, specialized firefighting, and premium point to point transfers. He predicts that by 2035, as technology matures and costs fall, flying cars could enter the mass market. Passengers will book air trips via ride hailing apps. The expected market size is 10 trillion yuan (about 1.47 trillion US dollars).
The low altitude economy covers operations below 3,000 meters. China is betting on this sector as a future growth driver. Already today, six seats, automatic seats, vertical takeoff and landing are not science fiction but certified prototypes.
Not long ago, the flying car was a rich futurist's toy. Now it is a business plan, thousands of pre orders, and a trillion yuan forecast. Humanity has always looked at the sky from below. But we may be standing on the threshold where the sky becomes as common a route as the next street. And when a propeller driven taxi lands at your doorstep on demand, we will remember this moment — the beginning of an era where roads go upward.
