Chinese flying car manufacturer Aridge, formerly known as Xpeng Aeroht, has completed its first manned flight in Dubai, marking a major milestone in its global expansion. The company also confirmed 600 new aircraft orders from leading business groups in the GCC, making it the largest overseas order for flying cars to date.
AI Quick Summary
Chinese flying car manufacturer Aridge, formerly Xpeng Aeroht, successfully completed its first manned flight in Dubai and secured a landmark order of 600 aircraft from leading business groups across the GCC. This marks a major step in the company’s global expansion, which includes plans to enter the Middle East market by 2027. Aridge aims to make personal air travel accessible with its modular “Land Aircraft Carrier” and other eVTOL innovations, with mass production slated for 2026.
This summary was generated by AI using this article’s content.
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Rebranding and Expansion Plans
The rebranding from Xpeng Aeroht to Aridge was officially announced during an event held in Dubai on 12 October. The new name, combining “Air” and “Bridge,” represents the brand’s ambition to connect the world through low-altitude flight. Alongside a new logo inspired by the Chinese character for “fly,” Aridge revealed its plans to enter the Middle East market by 2027, with production already underway in China.
According to Michael Chao Du, CFO and Vice President of Aridge, the 600-aircraft order came from Ali & Sons Group (UAE), Almana Group (Qatar), AlSayer Group (Kuwait), and the Chinese Business Council in the UAE. “The Middle East is both a strategic market and a valued partner,” said Du. “With its innovation-driven vision, it is the ideal launchpad for our global journey.”
The company also confirmed that it is working closely with regional aviation bodies, including the GCCA and DCAA, to ensure compliance and certification for safe operations.
Land Aircraft Carrier: A Car That Can Fly
Aridge’s highlight innovation, the Land Aircraft Carrier, is a modular flying car concept combining a road vehicle and a detachable electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Essentially, it’s an electric car with a flying module that fits into the boot, enabling users to drive or fly depending on their needs.
The aircraft features automatic and manual piloting modes, designed to make personal air travel simple and accessible. In China, the model is priced under RMB 2 million (approximately AED 1.03 million), though international pricing is yet to be announced.
The air module comes equipped with a smart display interface instead of complex controls, offering one-touch take-off and landing in automatic mode. For manual operation, Aridge uses a single-stick control system, allowing one-handed piloting — a first for a flying vehicle.
Production and Future Models
Aridge’s newly built Guangzhou factory, described as the world’s first intelligent flying car plant, can produce 10,000 units a year. Full-scale production is expected to begin in 2026, with deliveries following soon after. The factory employs automated production lines, ensuring a new vehicle can roll out every 30 minutes once fully operational.
The company’s R&D team of 1,200 engineers has developed seven generations of flying cars, backed by over $600 million in investment and 965 patents worldwide. Beyond the Land Aircraft Carrier, Aridge is also working on the A868, a high-speed, long-range flying car featuring a hybrid electric powertrain, tiltrotor technology, and seating for six passengers. The A868 boasts a range of over 500 km and a top speed above 360 km/h, targeting both personal and business aviation users.
Middle East Leads the Charge in eVTOL Adoption
The UAE and other GCC nations continue to take a leading role in the adoption of flying mobility technologies. With companies like Archer and Joby Aviation expected to launch air taxi services in Abu Dhabi and Dubai by 2026, the region is fast becoming a hub for low-altitude aviation innovation.
Du emphasised that Aridge aims to make flying cars accessible to more people over time. “As technology evolves and supply chains mature, costs will fall,” he said. “Our mission is to make flying part of everyday life, not a privilege for a few.”
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FAQs
What is Aridge, and how is it related to Xpeng?
Aridge is the new name for Xpeng Aeroht, the flying car division of Xpeng. It rebranded to operate independently and focus on developing next-generation electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles.
When will Aridge flying cars be available in the Middle East?
Aridge plans to begin consumer sales in the Middle East by 2027, following mass production at its Guangzhou factory, which is scheduled to start in 2026.
How much will the Aridge flying car cost?
In China, the Aridge Land Aircraft Carrier costs under RMB 2 million (around AED 1.03 million). International prices have not yet been confirmed.
How does the Aridge Land Aircraft Carrier work?
It’s a modular flying car combining a road vehicle with a detachable eVTOL aircraft. The air module fits into the car’s rear, allowing users to drive or fly as needed.
Which GCC countries have ordered Aridge flying cars?
Companies from the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait have placed orders, including Ali & Sons Group, Almana Group, and AlSayer Group, marking the largest overseas order for Aridge so far.
Chinese flying car manufacturer Aridge, formerly known as Xpeng Aeroht, has completed its first manned flight in Dubai, marking a major milestone in its global expansion. The company also confirmed 600 new aircraft orders from leading business groups in the
