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China-made flying car makes first test flight in UAE: What to know

The Chinese company is facing competition from a US firm that is currently developing an air taxi service in Dubai.

An Xpeng AeroHT X2 Flying Car is seen on display in Hong Kong on May 17, 2024
An Xpeng AeroHT X2 Flying Car is seen on display in Hong Kong on May 17, 2024 — PETER PARKS/AFP via Getty Images

A Chinese flying car completed its first test flight in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, underscoring deepening UAE-China technology ties and the Gulf state’s push to lead in air mobility innovation.

Xpeng Aeroht said it received its first flight permit for the Land Aircraft Carrier flying vehicle at a ceremony in Ras Al Khaimah, attended by the emirate’s ruler, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. The company also signed an agreement with the local Transport Authority to explore potential uses for the vehicle in government transportation, tourism and emergency rescue, according to a post on its X account.

The Land Aircraft Carrier is a fully electric flying vehicle that comes in two parts: a vehicle for land transportation, and a flying vehicle that can be stored in the former. Mass production is planned for 2026, according to the company.

Based in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, Xpeng Aeroht purports to be the largest flying car company in Asia. The Land Aircraft Carrier is its flagship vehicle.

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