Chinese Flying Car Maker Aridge Completes First Manned Flight in Dubai, Secures 600 GCC Orders

Historic Manned Flight in Dubai

Aridge, the Chinese flying-car manufacturer recently rebranded from Xpeng AeroHT, successfully conducted its first manned flight in Dubai on October 12, 2025. This landmark event showcased the company's modular 'Land Aircraft Carrier' system, which includes a detachable air module known as the Aridge X3-F. The public, piloted flight demonstration marked the company's official entry onto the global stage for low-altitude mobility solutions.

The demonstration, authorized by the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), featured the air module detaching from its ground-based carrier and later reattaching. The aircraft is designed to offer both automatic and manual flight operations, with the automatic mode allowing pilots to plan routes, take off, and land with a single touch.

Significant Bulk Orders from GCC Buyers

Immediately following the successful flight, Aridge announced a substantial order of 600 units from buyers across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This represents the largest overseas bulk purchase of flying cars for the company to date.

The significant orders were placed by prominent regional entities, including:

• Ali & Sons Group (UAE)
• Almana Group (Qatar)
• AlSayer Group (Kuwait)
• The Chinese Business Council in the UAE

Future Outlook and Production Plans

Michael Chao Du, CFO and Vice President of Aridge, emphasized the strategic importance of the Middle East, calling it 'both a strategic market and a valued partner' and an 'ideal launchpad for our globalization journey.'

Commercial deliveries of the 'Land Aircraft Carrier' in the Middle East are anticipated to commence as early as 2027. To support its ambitious production goals, Aridge has completed construction of its intelligent manufacturing plant in Guangzhou, China. This facility, described as the world's first large-scale flying car production factory, boasts an annual capacity of 10,000 units, with mass production and initial deliveries in China slated for 2026.

In addition to the 'Land Aircraft Carrier,' Aridge is also developing the A868, a high-speed, long-range flying car designed for business travel and mobility services, featuring a range of over 500 km and a top speed exceeding 360 km/h.