XPENG AEROHT’s ‘Land Aircraft Carrier’ Begins Flight Tests in UAE

Chinese automaker XPENG has taken a major step in the future of mobility with the launch of manned flight tests of its AEROHT eVTOL vehicle in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The milestone flight, conducted on September 11, 2025, took place in Ras Al Khaimah, shortly after receiving clearance from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

The demonstration, held at the Jazirah Aviation Club, featured a series of controlled maneuvers, including hovering and 360-degree turns, highlighting the vehicle’s stability and agility. The event was attended by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, alongside the Chinese ambassador to the UAE, underscoring the international importance of this innovation.

At the heart of the project is XPENG AEROHT’s groundbreaking ‘Land Aircraft Carrier’ concept—a modular system that pairs a sports utility vehicle (SUV) with a manned eVTOL aircraft mounted on its back. The eVTOL can be deployed at a chosen location, take flight, and then be folded and secured back onto the SUV after landing.

Backed by a US$150 million Series B investment round in 2024, XPENG AEROHT is pushing the limits of advanced air mobility (AAM). The company has also entered a strategic partnership with the RAK Transport Authority to advance flight certification in the UAE and explore potential applications ranging from government transport and emergency response to tourism services.

Meanwhile, in China, XPENG is working toward obtaining a production certificate for the vehicle and is constructing a dedicated AEROHT manufacturing facility, expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

The UAE flight test comes as XPENG showcases its futuristic air mobility solutions on the global stage at the IAA Mobility 2025 trade show in Munich (September 8–14, 2025), where the Land Aircraft Carrier concept has drawn strong international interest.

With successful test flights now underway in the UAE, XPENG AEROHT is positioning itself at the forefront of integrated land-air mobility, signaling a future where cars and aircraft merge into a seamless mode of transportation.