Xpeng Aeroht, the flying car venture of Chinese electric carmaker Xpeng, achieved a significant milestone on January 21, 2025, when its “Land Aircraft Carrier” completed its first public flight in Haikou. The event marked a major advancement in the development of flying cars and low-altitude mobility in China.
The Land Aircraft Carrier is a modular flying car designed to be the world’s first large-scale mass-produced vehicle of its kind.
It features a unique two-part design
- A ground module (the “Mothership”): A six-wheeled vehicle with off-road capabilities
- An air module: A six-rotor aircraft that can be stored in the rear cabin of the ground vehicle
Key features of the Land Aircraft Carrier include:
- Automated separation and docking mechanism
- 270° panoramic cockpit
- Manual and autonomous flight modes
- Single-stick control system for simplified operation
- Full-redundancy safety systems
Following this successful public flight, Xpeng Aeroht and the Hainan Provincial Development and Reform Commission launched the “Flying Car Demonstration Island” initiative.
This project aims to promote the widespread adoption of flying cars in Hainan province, leveraging the region’s free trade port policies and tourism industry.
Hainan Flying Car Project
The initiative includes:
- Signing agreements with over 40 flying campsites across Hainan
- Developing China’s first “aerial round-the-island scenic highway,” spanning nearly 1,000 kilometers
- Creating 42 observation decks, 24 parking spots, and 40 stations along the route
- Completing over 20 flying car campsites from 2026 to 2027
This project aims to revolutionize island tourism by combining travel and flying experiences, leveraging Hainan’s unique tropical island status and abundant natural resources.
Xpeng Aeroht plans to begin mass production and delivery of the Land Aircraft Carrier to individual users in 2026, with a price of no more than 2 million yuan ($274,600) in the Chinese market.
The development of flying cars in Haikou and Hainan aligns with China’s broader push to develop its low-altitude economy, which was recently listed as a national strategic emerging industry.
Related article: Edible Electronics Revolution from Digestible Sensors to Nutritious Drones
