China Daily reports that the country could potentially see 100,000 electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) serve as family vehicles or air taxis by 2030.
The figures come from a report released by the China Low Altitude Economic Alliance (CLAEA). “The report predicts that large-scale commercialization of eVTOLs is expected to drive down costs, making the vehicle more accessible to the public,” says the news report. “The alliance anticipates that within next two to three years, China’s major cities will complete air transportation networks and supporting ground service facilities for low-altitude vehicles….Established in August and initiated by over 100 enterprises, China Low Altitude Economic Alliance focuses on advancing low-altitude airspace applications and planning the future of the industry.”
The CLAEA organised the Global Low-Altitude Economic Forum 2024 Annual Meeting in Beijing on November 27, attended by more than 800 experts, diplomats, and CEOs of startups from home and abroad, according to China Today. “With complete air traffic network and ground service facilities installed in major cities in the coming years, eVTOLs will be commercialized on a mass scale and their market price will decrease. By 2030, four- or five-seat eVTOLs are expected to cost RMB two to three million, and 100,000 eVTOLs will be used by families or as air taxis. Air taxis will become the main air transport in large and medium-sized cities. As they cause less noise, are driverless, convenient and affordable compared to traditional aircraft, eVTOLs will become a priority option.
“General aviation will be driven by the low-altitude economy as well. Light private aircrafts (sic) and large and medium-sized unmanned cargo drones will be the main vehicles. Light aircraft will be used in cultural tourism, field operations, and intercity transport for medium and long distance. Around 2035, millions of private and business jets will become the main force of general aviation….By 2030, the scale of China’s low-altitude economy will reach at least RMB three trillion.”
For more information
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202411/27/WS6746fbaea310f1265a1cfee6.html
http://www.chinatoday.com.cn/ctenglish/2018/et/202411/t20241129_800385639.html
(Image: EHang)