File photo/Zhang Jian (NBD)

XPeng AeroHT, a subsidiary of XPeng Motors, has achieved a breakthrough in the realm of flying cars with the successful inaugural flight of its Voyager X2 in the economic zone of Beijing Daxing Airport. This marks the first manned low-altitude flight in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, signaling a new era in the low-altitude economy.

The Voyager X2, which obtained a special flight certificate from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority in October 2022, has already made a global debut in Dubai. With the recent approval from China's civil aviation regulatory body, it has become the first manned electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) product to be officially recognized in China.

Constructed with a full carbon fiber structure, the Voyager X2 is designed for a 25-minute flight duration, with a maximum flight altitude of 1,000 meters and a top speed of 130 km/h. It supports both manual and autonomous flight modes, providing passengers with an easy-to-operate experience through simple commands.

XPeng AeroHT is not new to the flying car scene; it has already introduced several models, including the Voyager T1 and X2. The company is also gearing up for the fourth-quarter 2024 pre-sale of its "Land Aircraft Carrier," a convertible flying car that can operate both on the ground and in the air.

The low-altitude economy has attracted significant investor attention, with related stocks experiencing a surge in early trading sessions. The market is projected to reach a valuation of $300 billion by 2030, with the potential to expand even further.

Despite the enthusiasm, the development of flying cars faces challenges in safety, endurance, and regulatory frameworks. XPeng's CEO, He Xiaopeng, recognizes the need for a decade or more for widespread adoption but is optimistic about the technology's transformative potential.

The Chinese government has shown its support by including the concept of a low-altitude economy in the government work report for the first time, aiming to create new growth engines, including commercial spaceflight and biomanufacturing.

As the industry prepares for takeoff, the sky is no longer the limit for transportation innovation, with the Voyager X2 leading the way.