AutoFlight, an eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) company, has flown the first inter-city electric air-taxi demonstration flight between the southern Chinese cities of Shenzhen and Zhuhai on February 27.

Dubbed as the "air taxis" of the future, eVTOLs, resembling helicopters in their vertical takeoff capabilities, seamlessly transition into fixed-wing flight mode mid-air, powered solely by electricity.

At precisely 5:00 PM, amidst eager anticipation, the "Shengshi Dragon" lifted off vertically from the Shekou Cruise Terminal's launch platform, ascending to an altitude of 100 metres. Transitioning into fixed-wing flight mode, it swiftly embarked on its predetermined course towards Zhuhai, disappearing from the view of onlookers within minutes.

The flight, accompanied by a helicopter capturing its every move, showcased a spectacular fusion of various aircraft models soaring through the sky. Approximately 20 minutes later, the "Shengshi Dragon" successfully touched down at the Jiuzhou Port in Zhuhai.

Developed independently by Shanghai Peak Flight Aviation Technology Co., Ltd., the "Shengshi Dragon" boasts a takeoff weight of 2000 kilograms, accommodating up to five passengers, with a cruising speed of up to 200 kilometres per hour. Its core modules are 100% domestically manufactured. Expected to commence passenger flights in 2026 upon regulatory approval, this demonstration marks a significant step towards the future of air travel.

Shenzhen and Zhuhai, located on the opposite banks of the Pearl River Estuary, are separated by a distance of less than 5 kilometres. Previously, traveling between the two cities required a detour via the Nansha Bridge or the Humen Bridge, taking approximately two to three hours.

With eVTOL aircraft eliminating the need for traditional airports and runways, the journey between Shenzhen and Zhuhai can now be completed in just 20 minutes. Recognising the significance of low-altitude airspace as a vital natural resource, this flight represents a pivotal exploration into the commercialization of low-altitude travel.

Xie Jia, Senior Vice President of Peak Flight Aviation Technology, commented, "Once mass adoption is achieved, a single-seat ticket from Shenzhen to Zhuhai could cost as little as two to three hundred yuan (£22-£33). Taking a taxi from Shenzhen to Zhuhai could cost five to six hundred yuan (£55-£66) and take nearly three hours due to ground congestion. Traveling by boat may cost around one hundred yuan (£11) and take over an hour."

The successful maiden flight of the electric VTOL aircraft marks a global first, revolutionising the aviation industry from traditional oil-powered helicopters to electric VTOLs."

In addition to the shift from oil to electricity, noise levels of the new aircraft are only 1/10th or even 1% of traditional helicopters. With such low noise levels, the sky can accommodate multiple aircraft simultaneously, allowing for scalability."

Recently, the "Regulations for Promoting the Low-Altitude Economy in the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone" officially came into effect. As one of the key pilot cities for the low-altitude economy, Shenzhen has taken the lead in introducing specialised regulations to promote the development of this sector.

Chen Chen, Executive Director of the China Law Society's Internet and Information Law Research Association, stated that Shenzhen has laid down the legal groundwork for the takeoff of the low-altitude economy.

Chen added that the potential of the low-altitude economy is immense. In the next decade, it may become a new engine for China's economic growth.

As a crucial sub-sector of future urban air transportation, electric VTOL aircraft will be a sought-after industrial hub among major global powers. Customers will be able to access various low-altitude flight services through platforms such as the "Air Taxi" app, mini-programs, PC web pages, etc., facilitating easy booking of helicopter or eVTOL-based flights and bringing low-altitude travel within reach of the ordinary citizen.

The video was provided by local media with permission.

2月27日下午，全球首条电动垂直起降航空器跨海跨城空中航线在深圳启航并首飞成功。
电动垂直起降航空器（eVTOL）被称为“空中出租车”，像直升机一样垂直起飞，在空中转换成固定翼飞行模式，使用纯电动力。
27日17：00，伴随指令下达，“盛世龙”于蛇口邮轮母港起降平台垂直起飞，上升到100米高度，飞行模式转换为固定翼飞行，按照既定航线向珠海方向高速飞行，几分钟后就消失在现场观众的视野之中。此次飞行由直升机全程伴飞并持续拍摄飞行姿态，现场呈现多种机型融合飞行的壮观场景。大约20分钟后，成功在珠海九洲港着陆。
此次进行演示的电动垂直起降航空器“盛世龙”，由上海峰飞航空科技有限公司自主研制，起飞重量2000公斤，可载5人，巡航速度可达200公里/小时，核心模组100%国产化。在获取适航证后，预计将于2026年开启载人飞行。

深圳、珠海分别位于珠江口东西两岸，直线距离不到5公里。以往乘车出行要绕道南沙大桥或者虎门大桥，用时约2到3小时。电动垂直起降航空器，无需传统机场和跑道，仅需20分钟就可以完成深圳、珠海间的跨城之旅。低空是重要的自然资源，此次飞行是对低空出行商业化运营的重要探索。

峰飞航空科技高级副总裁谢嘉介绍说：“在进行大规模应用以后，未来深圳到珠海的单座票价是两三百元钱。从深圳到珠海打车也要五六百元钱，耗时将近三个小时，因为地面拥堵；坐个船可能一百多元钱，要一个多小时。电动垂直起降航空器首飞成功，是全球首例，全球首例用eVTOL电动垂直起降航空器进行跨海跨城飞行。”
谢嘉说：“新型航空器是航空工业史上的一次新革命，就像地面油动车到电车，但这是从油动直升机到电动垂直起降航空器。除了油到电的变化以外，还有噪音，新型航空器噪音是传统直升机的1/10，甚至1%。正是因为低噪音水平，未来天空能够允许同时飞很多架该航空器，能形成规模。”
近日，《深圳经济特区低空经济产业促进条例》正式实施。作为低空经济最重要的试点城市之一，深圳率先推出促进低空经济产业发展的专项法规，中国法学会网络与信息法学研究会常务理事陈晨表示，深圳已为低空经济起飞铺就法治跑道。陈晨表示，低空经济的潜力巨大。未来10年，低空经济或许会成为中国经济增长的新引擎。作为未来城市空中交通的重要细分领域，电动垂直起降航空器将是全球主要国家竞相争夺的产业高地。客户将可通过“空中的士”APP、小程序、PC网页等端口，获取由平台智能匹配的最佳出行方案，实现一键式预约以直升机或eVTOL为载体的各类低空飞行服务，助力低空出行走进寻常百姓家。