Dubai: Flying cars have taken another step closer to reality in the Gulf. Xpeng Aeroht, a Chinese flying car maker that recently rebranded as Aridge, conducted its first Middle East manned flight in Dubai today.
It also announced 600 new orders from GCC companies, bringing its global pre-orders to over 7,000 units.
Aridge’s land aircraft carrier is a modular flying car concept where a ground vehicle carries and recharges a separate, two-person electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Simply put, an electric truck that carries an eVTOL in its boot. The detachable air module fits into the trunk of a “mothership” vehicle, allowing seamless transitions between driving and flying.
The aim is to simplify personal air travel. The aircraft offers both automatic and manual piloting modes. While overseas pricing hasn't been announced, in China, the price is under RMB 2 million (approx. Dh1,030,000 based on current exchange rates).
According to Michael Chao Du, CFO and Vice President of Aridge, the orders for 600 aircraft came from the UAE’s Ali & Sons Group, Qatar’s Almana Group, Kuwait’s AlSayer Group, and the Chinese Business Council in the UAE — marking the largest bulk purchase of flying cars outside China. Aridge’s consumer sales in the Middle East are expected to begin as early as 2027.
“The Middle East is both a strategic market and a valued partner,' said Du. “With its growing role in global innovation and forward-looking policies, the region is the ideal launchpad for our globalization journey.'
The UAE and other GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia, have invested heavily in technology that makes eVTOL flying air taxis a possibility. American eVTOL manufacturers Archer and Joby are due to launch commercial air taxi services in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, respectively, by 2026.
Du also confirmed to Gulf News that the company is actively working in compliance with regional aviation authorities, including the GCCA and DCAA, to advance airworthiness certification and related regulatory processes. 'Similar collaborations with other GCC countries will also be launched progressively,' he said.
Register your interest or get in touch with marketing@galleon.cc for more details.