On September 11, 2025, Chinese automaker XPENG began conducting manned flight tests of its earlier unveiled ‘Land Aircraft Carrier’, The AERO HT eVTOL in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Shortly after XPeng obtained the required approval from the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the first flight was conducted in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the country’s seven emirates.
The aircraft demonstrated its capabilities by performing a variety of maneuvers, including hovering, 360-degree rotations, and coordinated turns, at the Jazirah Aviation Club.
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), and the Chinese ambassador to the United Arab Emirates were present during the commencement of this flying test program.
In order to further enhance the production of its modular concept, XPENG AERO HT, the advanced air mobility division of the same-named automaker, obtained US$150 million in a Series B investment in 2024.
The “Land Aircraft Carrier,” which is a sports utility vehicle (SUV) with a small manned eVTOL vehicle folded at its back, was created by the Chinese company.
The eVTOL has the ability to unfold itself and get airborne at any point or location and fold back again at the back of its Car-carrier after its flight.
XPENG AERO HT has established a strategic partnership with the RAK Transport Authority to work together on the flight certification of this vehicle in the UAE, as well as explore its potential applications in various government sectors, including government transportation, emergency services, and tourism.
The ‘Land Aircraft Carrier’ vehicle combination is currently in the process of securing a production certificate in China, where XPENG is also constructing a manufacturing facility for AEROHT. This production site is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025.
Simultaneously, XPENG has made a significant impact at the IAA Mobility trade show, which is hosted in Munich from September 8 to 14, 2025, where it has presented the AEROHT concept for land-air transportation.
