VerTaxi showcases its innovative eVTOL aircraft at the 7th China International Import Expo in 2024. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Shanghai-based private company, VerTaxi, is spearheading China's ambitions in the burgeoning "flying taxi" market, with its domestically developed electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft nearing commercialization.
The company has completed the structural production of its first flight-worthy eVTOL model, the M1B, at its manufacturing facility in Jinshan district, Shanghai, and is now entering the assembly and testing phase.
VerTaxi aims to obtain certification for cargo operations this year and passenger operations by 2027, marking a significant step towards the commercialization of eVTOLs in China, according to the company.
A fully domestic effort
VerTaxi's approach to eVTOL development emphasizes full domestic production, utilizing the expertise of China's automotive parts manufacturers.
VerTaxi Founder and CEO Xie Ling believes this strategy will allow China to take a leading role in the low-altitude economy.
"Full domestic production provides cost advantages," Xie Ling explained.
"We consider it a challenging yet correct path," he added, acknowledging the difficulties involved in working with small domestic suppliers.
VerTaxi's commitment to innovation is evident in its continuous investment in research and development.
The M1B, the company's latest model, features significant upgrades from its predecessor, the M1, which completed its first flight in 2023. The upgrades include a new flight control system for enhanced safety, higher-capacity batteries and more powerful motors, resulting in improved range and payload capacity.
The aircraft also incorporates more advanced composite materials, making it lighter and stronger.
"These improvements have increased the aircraft's range by at least 20 percent and allow for continuous hovering at maximum takeoff weight," Xie said.
"This meets the design specifications for the M1B's type certificate application, making it suitable for special scenarios such as emergency firefighting."
A VerTaxi E6 drone conducts pipeline inspection in the Middle East. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Navigating challenges, fostering growth
VerTaxi's journey to commercialization is not without its obstacles.
The development of the low-altitude economy, including the establishment of legal regulations, infrastructure development and building public trust in aerial transportation, presents significant challenges.
These issues require sustained effort and are unlikely to be resolved quickly, Xie noted.
Despite these challenges, VerTaxi has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and overcome hurdles. The company's success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its strong focus on research and development, its commitment to domestic production, and the supportive ecosystem provided by Shanghai.
VerTaxi has benefited from Shanghai's strong foundation in aircraft research and design, its expertise in the certification processes, and its robust supply chain for electric power train components.
Furthermore, Shanghai's status as an international financial center provides access to venture capital resources.
The Yangtze River Delta region, with its high population density and economic activity, presents a vast market for low-altitude eVTOLs.
An eVTOL aircraft performs a test flight near an airfield. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
A city's support, a nation's vision
VerTaxi has received significant support from the Shanghai government.
In 2023, the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) provided a platform for VerTaxi to showcase its M1 eVTOL aircraft, which marked its global debut.
"The CIIE, a national platform, significantly increased the company's visibility and industry attention," VerTaxi vice president Yue Tingting said. "The day after our debut, VerTaxi received a letter of intent from Longhao Airlines, worth 230 million yuan ($31.66 million), for the purchase of our aircraft."
Shanghai's commitment to strengthening the low-altitude economy is further reflected in an action plan for the high-quality development of the low-altitude economic industry between 2024 and 2027, which aims to build the first inter-provincial low-altitude air transportation network in China by 2027.
Luo Bin contributed to this story.
