New faces at CIIE thanks to low altitude innovation

The 2023 China International Import Expo (CIIE) ushered in a new era of aviation with the introduction of a special low-altitude economic zone. Located in Hall 2.1, this innovation zone captivated visitors with cutting-edge technology, life-size air taxis and a flurry of multi-million dollar deals.

A look into the future of urban air mobility

Several well-known companies, including TCab Tech, Vertaxi and Volant, showed off their electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. Designed to carry multiple passengers and travel short distances, these futuristic air taxis could revolutionize urban transportation. They have reduced travel times to 30 minutes, for example, from Shanghai to Suzhou, Jiaxing and other nearby destinations, once they receive regulatory approval around 2026.

People flocked to the new area to touch and try out the air taxi booths or collect the well-designed air taxi badges and magnets.

As the aviation industry strives for innovation and sustainability, the CIIE Low Altitude Economic Zone provides a glimpse into the future of urban air mobility. With strong government support and rapid technological advancement, the dream of flying cars may soon become a reality.

Multi-million dollar deals signed at CIIE

Under CIIE, Volant received target orders for 165 VE25-100 models totaling RMB 3.5 billion ($493 million) from buyers such as China Southern Airline and Deerjet. According to the company, the eVTOL application covers six categories such as low-altitude sightseeing, training, short-haul transportation, cargo transportation, emergency response and urban travel, indicating that the commercialization process of eVTOL is accelerating.

Vertaxi’s two-ton eVTOL M1 is available to the public for the first time at CIIE. The Shanghai-based firm has signed a RMB 10 billion finance lease deal with SPDB (Shanghai Pudong Development Bank) for 100 eVTOL M1 models.

The new transportation method has the advantages of high safety, low cost, environmental friendliness and low noise. It is generally considered the best future low-altitude urban mobility vehicle and is also the subject of global aviation competitions.

A Thriving Ecosystem for Low-Altitude Innovation

All eVTOL aircraft carrying passengers are still awaiting licenses, which are expected to be issued by national authorities around 2026. Chinese authorities have recently reaffirmed their determination to develop a low-altitude economy that will bring a bright and clear future for the entire industry.

Shanghai is emerging as a global hub for eVTOL development thanks to its robust supply chain, strong research capabilities and the presence of industry giants such as Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).

According to Shanghai-based Qixinbao, as of November there were 365 firms doing low-altitude business in Shanghai and holding 37,739 patents, including 23,488 invention patents.

Supply chain innovations powering the future of flight

Low-altitude supply chain players such as Spain-based composite solutions company HRC play a critical role in the development of advanced aircraft, which opens up enormous market potential.

Steps away from the low-altitude zone, HRC is showcasing its lightweight end-use applications and technologies used in cars, eVTOLs and drones at CIIE. These materials provide consistent quality, strength and exceptional corrosion resistance and are ideal materials for automobiles and future air taxis.

The stand will focus on eVTOL carbon fiber components, trim parts, hoods, doors, body sides, roof and rear tailgates. It features the lightest possible design to improve efficiency, increase range, reduce carbon emissions and meet various eVTOL requirements.

Looking to the future, HRC sees “tremendous growth potential” in the low altitude sector. As the market continues to expand, the company is poised to grow with it, offering increasingly advanced and comprehensive solutions to meet the growing needs of the industry,” said Luo Tao, CEO of HRC Automotive.