China unveils “low-altitude economy” action plan to commercialize flying cars

China’s central government on Wednesday unveiled its first action plan to accelerate the development of flying cars as part of a broader goal to make the emerging aviation sector for low-altitude airspace a new growth engine to bolster the economy. Some pilot programs for passenger transport by electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL), also known as air taxis, will first be introduced in China’s more developed regions, including the southern Guangdong province, Hong Kong, and Macau, said the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Beijing is aiming for “initial development” of a new aviation equipment industry by 2030 when eVTOLs and drones will operate at relatively low altitudes and provide more intelligent, eco-friendly air travel and ferry services for “various aspects” of China’s society, according to the plan. The development of a “low-altitude economy” was included in the government work report for the first time during the latest annual parliamentary meetings ended March 11, signaling China’s intent to boost its aerospace industry. [MIIT, in Chinese]