A Chinese firm has made a significant move in the realm of futuristic transportation by acquiring the technology behind a European-developed flying car. The AirCar, which made headlines with its successful test flights in Slovakia back in 2021, has now found a new home in China, signalling the country’s ambitious foray into airborne travel.
Hebei Jianxin Flying Car Technology Company, based in Cangzhou, has secured exclusive rights to produce and operate vehicles based on the AirCar design within a designated region in China. This acquisition follows the firm’s previous purchase of aviation assets from a Slovakian company, solidifying China’s position in the emerging market of personal air transport.
Anton Zajac, co-founder of KleinVision, the company behind AirCar, revealed that the Chinese firm has established its own infrastructure, including an airport and flight school, to support the development and operation of these flying vehicles.
China’s interest in flying transport solutions comes as no surprise, considering its track record in advancing technological innovations. Recent milestones include successful test flights of passenger-carrying drones and the certification of electric flying taxis by Chinese authorities.
However, unlike the vertically taking off and landing drone-like aircraft, AirCar requires conventional runways, highlighting a distinction in approach between different players in the market.
While the financial details of the technology transfer remain undisclosed, experts speculate on the implications of this transaction. Aviation consultant Steve Wright suggests that China’s proactive stance in embracing novel transportation technologies could propel the country ahead in this burgeoning industry.
Nevertheless, challenges persist, ranging from infrastructure development to regulatory frameworks and public acceptance. Despite the excitement surrounding flying cars, the reality might entail mundane aspects of air travel, including queues and security checks.
As the world navigates this transformative era in transportation, questions arise about the role China will play in shaping the future of flying cars, akin to its dominance in the electric vehicle market.
While prototypes like the AirCar captivate imaginations, the path towards widespread adoption may involve overcoming various practical hurdles. Nonetheless, as history has shown with electric cars, China’s ambition could pave the way for a new era of airborne mobility.