Technology & Innovation
ARIDGE Launches First Modular Land Aircraft Carrier for Urban Air Mobility
ARIDGE unveils its two-part Land Aircraft Carrier featuring a hybrid ground vehicle and eVTOL flying module with mass production starting in 2026.
The line between science fiction and reality just became significantly more blurred. On November 3, ARIDGE, the specialized low-altitude mobility company affiliated with electric vehicle maker XPENG, announced a landmark achievement: the first unit of its ‘Land Aircraft Carrier’s’ flying module has officially rolled off the production line. This event, taking place at a new intelligent factory in Guangzhou, marks the beginning of trial production for one of the most ambitious personal mobility concepts to date. It signals a pivotal moment, not just for the company, but for the burgeoning field of Urban Air Mobility (UAM).
The ‘Land Aircraft Carrier’ is not a singular vehicle but a groundbreaking two-part system. It consists of a robust six-wheeled ground vehicle designed to house and charge a detachable, two-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This modular approach aims to solve the fundamental challenges of personal flight by integrating ground and air travel into a single, seamless experience. As cities grapple with congestion and individuals seek more efficient ways to travel, solutions like this are moving from conceptual drawings to tangible, production-ready hardware.
This milestone coincides with the strategic rebranding of the company from XPENG AEROHT to ARIDGE, a name derived from “Air” and “Bridge.” The new identity reflects a move toward greater independence from its parent company, XPENG, as it scales up operations to meet a future where personal flight is not just possible, but practical. The rollout of this first unit is a clear statement of intent, positioning ARIDGE at the forefront of China’s strategic push into the “Low-Altitude Economy.”
At the heart of the ‘Land Aircraft Carrier’ is its unique modularity, which separates the functions of ground and air transport to optimize both. This design philosophy addresses practical concerns like range, charging, and last-mile connectivity, which have been persistent hurdles for integrated flying car models. By creating two distinct but interconnected modules, ARIDGE offers a solution that is as versatile as it is futuristic.
The ground component is far more than a simple transport vehicle; it is the operational base for its aerial counterpart. Engineered as a six-wheeled, all-wheel-drive vehicle, it boasts a hybrid powertrain designed for long-distance travel, with a stated ground range of over 1,000 kilometers. Its rugged design suggests capabilities that extend beyond paved city streets, opening possibilities for use in recreational and remote-area travel.
The primary function of the ground module, however, is to serve as a mobile hangar and charging station. It is engineered to carry the eVTOL securely and can recharge the all-electric flying module multiple times. According to the company, the ground vehicle can support up to six separate flights before needing to replenish its own energy stores. This capability dramatically extends the operational range and utility of the aircraft, freeing it from reliance on fixed charging infrastructure.
This integrated system provides a practical solution to the point-to-point travel puzzle. A user can drive close to a destination, deploy the eVTOL for the final leg of the journey to bypass traffic or difficult terrain, and then have the ground vehicle ready for the return trip. This seamless transition between driving and flying is a key differentiator in the emerging personal Aviation market.
The modular approach, which separates the ground and air vehicles, could offer a more practical and accessible entry into the personal flight market compared to integrated flying car designs.
The star of the show is the flying module, a sleek, two-seater eVTOL aircraft. Powered entirely by electricity and propelled by six rotors, it is designed for safe, efficient, and quiet short-distance flights. The construction utilizes lightweight, aviation-grade carbon fiber to maximize performance and flight time. Its design prioritizes accessibility, aiming to make piloting straightforward for a new generation of aviators. To that end, the aircraft features both manual and autonomous flight modes. This dual-mode capability allows for hands-on piloting for recreational flyers while also offering automated systems that simplify complex maneuvers. Key features like one-touch takeoff and landing are designed to lower the barrier to entry, making personal flight less intimidating and more accessible to a broader audience. The focus is on creating a user-friendly experience that instills confidence.
The transition from ground to air has been meticulously engineered for efficiency and ease. The entire automated process,from the aircraft detaching from the ground vehicle to its rotors unfolding into flight-ready position,takes approximately five minutes. This rapid deployment is crucial for the system’s practicality, ensuring that the switch from driving to flying is a convenient and time-saving option rather than a cumbersome procedure.
Developing an innovative prototype is one challenge; bringing it to market at scale is another entirely. ARIDGE has laid a clear and decisive path toward commercialization, underpinned by a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, strong market interest, and a global outlook. The company is methodically moving from trial production to mass Delivery, with a timeline that is both ambitious and concrete.
The foundation of ARIDGE’s production plan is its new intelligent factory in Guangzhou. Described as the world’s first Manufacturing plant dedicated to mass-produced flying cars, it represents a significant investment in the future of mobility. The facility is equipped with automated production lines designed for precision and efficiency, setting a new standard for this nascent industry.
The factory’s production capacity is a key indicator of the company’s ambitions. It has an initial annual capacity of 5,000 units, with concrete plans to expand to 10,000 units as demand grows. At full capacity, the highly automated processes will enable the factory to produce one complete aircraft every 30 minutes. This level of output is essential for moving flying cars from a niche novelty to a viable consumer product.
The establishment of this factory is a critical step in validating the entire business model. It demonstrates a commitment to not only designing but also delivering a reliable, high-quality product at scale. For the UAM industry, the ability to manufacture consistently and affordably is the bridge between concept and commercial reality, and the Guangzhou facility is a major pillar of that bridge.
The ‘Land Aircraft Carrier’ has already generated significant buzz and, more importantly, tangible market demand. With a price capped under RMB 2 million (approximately $281,040), the vehicle has attracted nearly 5,000 pre-orders. This strong initial interest suggests a ready market of early adopters eager to embrace the next generation of personal transportation.
ARIDGE’s ambitions are not confined to its domestic market. The company made a significant splash on the world stage with the vehicle’s global debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2025. This was followed by concrete international business, including a major order for 600 flying cars from partners in the Middle-East, a region that has shown keen interest in advanced mobility solutions. To solidify its international presence, ARIDGE has already conducted its first manned demonstration flight outside of China as part of an event in Dubai. With plans to begin operations in the Middle East as early as 2027, the company is actively building a global footprint. This proactive approach to international expansion signals its intent to be a worldwide leader in the personal aviation sector.
The rollout of the first ‘Land Aircraft Carrier’ flying module is more than a corporate milestone; it is a tangible step toward a new era of transportation. ARIDGE has successfully combined an innovative modular design with a scalable manufacturing plan, backed by strong initial market demand. By addressing key practical challenges like range and accessibility, the company has developed a product that moves the dream of personal flight closer to a commercial reality scheduled for 2026.
However, the road ahead is not without its challenges. While the technology and production capabilities are rapidly advancing, the widespread adoption of flying cars hinges on a complex web of regulatory frameworks. The development of comprehensive air traffic management systems, the certification of new aircraft types, and gaining public trust are critical hurdles that the entire industry must overcome. ARIDGE’s progress is a powerful catalyst, but the journey to filling our skies will require collaboration between innovators, regulators, and the public.
Question: What is the ARIDGE ‘Land Aircraft Carrier’? Question: When will it be available and how much will it cost? Question: Who is ARIDGE?
The Flying Car Era Begins: ARIDGE Rolls Out First ‘Land Aircraft Carrier’ Module
A Closer Look at the Two-Part Modular Design
The Ground Module: More Than Just a Car
The Flying Module: Personal Aviation Realized
The Path to Commercialization
The Guangzhou Intelligent Factory
Market Reception and Global Ambitions
Navigating the Future of Mobility
FAQ
Answer: It is a two-part modular vehicle composed of a six-wheeled, hybrid ground vehicle that carries and charges a detachable, two-seater all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Answer: Mass production and customer deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2026. The vehicle’s price is set to be under RMB 2 million (approximately $281,040).
Answer: ARIDGE, formerly known as XPENG AEROHT, is the low-altitude mobility and flying car company affiliated with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPENG. It was founded in 2013 and became a majority-owned division of XPENG in 2020.
Sources
Photo Credit: ARIDGE
Technology & Innovation
Joby Aviation and Metropolis Develop 25 US Vertiports for eVTOL Launch
Joby Aviation partners with Metropolis Technologies to retrofit parking garages into 25 vertiports across US cities, supporting a 2026 eVTOL commercial launch.
This article is based on an official press release from Joby Aviation.
Joby Aviation has announced a significant infrastructure partnership with Metropolis Technologies to develop a network of 25 vertiports across the United States. The collaboration aims to repurpose existing parking infrastructure into “mobility hubs” to support the commercial launch of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
According to the company’s announcement, the partnership will leverage Metropolis’s extensive portfolio of parking facilities to create takeoff and landing sites in key metropolitan areas. By retrofitting existing structures rather than building new terminals from the ground up, Joby intends to accelerate the deployment of its air taxi service, which is currently targeting a commercial launch in 2026.
The initiative addresses one of the most critical challenges in the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) sector: the “last mile” connection. The integration of ground and air travel is designed to offer passengers a seamless transition from their vehicles to Joby’s aircraft, utilizing advanced artificial intelligence to streamline the process.
The core strategy of this partnership involves identifying and upgrading sites within Metropolis’s network, which expanded significantly following its recent acquisition of SP+. With access to over 4,200 parking facilities, the companies plan to select prime locations in high-density urban centers such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City.
Joby Aviation stated that this retrofit approach offers a distinct advantage over constructing standalone vertiports. By utilizing the top decks of existing parking garages, the partners can reduce upfront construction costs and navigate zoning requirements more efficiently. These sites will be designed to meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Engineering Brief 105A, which outlines the specific design standards for vertiport geometry, marking, and load-bearing capacity.
“For air taxis to deliver on their promise of seamless urban travel, they must connect directly with the existing ground transportation ecosystem. By leveraging existing parking infrastructure… we can maximize the value of those sites without needing to build infrastructure from scratch.”
, JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation
Beyond physical infrastructure, the partnership emphasizes the integration of Metropolis’s proprietary technology. The company utilizes AI-powered computer vision to manage facility access and payments. In the context of air travel, this technology aims to facilitate a “drive-in, fly-out” experience. According to the release, cameras will recognize a passenger’s vehicle upon entry, automatically processing parking fees and initiating the check-in process for their flight. This system is intended to eliminate the need for physical tickets, gates, or kiosks, aligning with the industry’s push for a frictionless passenger experience.
“The real world is the next frontier for AI… We are taking the data and recognition capabilities we’ve built in our network and extending it to air travel, creating the seamless, personalized, and magical experience that is the foundation of the Recognition Economy.”
, Alex Israel, CEO of Metropolis Technologies
While the construction of full vertiports is a longer-term project targeting 2026, the partnership includes immediate operational steps. Metropolis subsidiary Bags Inc. will begin providing VIP baggage handling services for Blade Urban Air Mobility, a partner of Joby Aviation, in New York City. This service will support flights between Manhattan and major airports such as JFK and Newark.
Los Angeles has been identified as a primary market for the initial vertiport rollout. The companies are currently evaluating downtown parking structures that can be adapted to support high-frequency air taxi operations. This focus on Los Angeles aligns with Joby’s broader strategy to establish a foothold in regions with high traffic congestion, where the time-saving value of eVTOL aircraft is most apparent.
We observe that this partnership represents a divergent strategy in the race for UAM infrastructure. While competitors like Archer Aviation have partnered with Atlantic Aviation to electrify existing private aviation terminals (FBOs), Joby is betting on bringing aircraft closer to the consumer’s daily commute via parking garages.
The “retrofit” model proposed by Joby and Metropolis may offer scalability advantages. Parking garages are ubiquitous in city centers, whereas private air terminals are typically located on the periphery at airports. If successful, this approach could allow Joby to penetrate dense urban cores more deeply than competitors relying solely on airport-based infrastructure.
However, we note that retrofitting parking decks presents its own engineering challenges, particularly regarding the structural reinforcement required to handle the weight and dynamic loads of landing aircraft, as well as the installation of high-voltage charging infrastructure in older buildings.
Transforming Parking Garages into Mobility Hubs
Integration of AI Technology
Immediate Rollout and Strategic Markets
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation
Technology & Innovation
Vertical Aerospace Targets Full VX4 Transition Flight in Early 2026
Vertical Aerospace advances VX4 flight tests with 10 piloted flights completed; full transition now targeted for early 2026 amid regulatory updates.
This article is based on an official press release from Vertical Aerospace and includes analysis based on publicly available financial filings.
On December 19, 2025, Vertical Aerospace released a significant operational update regarding the flight testing of its full-scale VX4 prototype. According to the company, the engineering team has successfully completed 10 piloted test flights since receiving a “Permit to Fly” from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in November. While the company reports expanding the majority of the flight envelope, the critical milestone of full piloted transition, switching completely from vertical hover to wing-borne cruise, has not yet been achieved.
The Bristol-based eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) manufacturer stated that weather constraints and limited testing windows have pushed the target for full transition into early 2026. This update comes shortly after the company unveiled “Valo,” its production-intent aircraft, earlier this month.
Since resuming flight activities on November 13, 2025, Vertical Aerospace reports that the VX4 prototype has undergone rigorous testing to validate its handling and safety systems. The press release highlights that the aircraft has successfully performed acceleration and deceleration maneuvers and tested various tilt positions for its rotors.
According to Vertical Aerospace, the Test-Flights campaign has achieved several specific technical milestones:
The testing program has successfully validated the in-flight deployment and stowing of rear propellers, propeller spin-up during wing-borne flight, and “prop-hold” functionality.
The company notes that the “majority of the transition envelope” has now been expanded, leaving only the final 10% of the tilt transition untested. The completion of this final phase is required to demonstrate the aircraft’s ability to fly purely on wing lift, a defining characteristic of viable eVTOL technology.
Alongside the flight test updates, Vertical Aerospace announced a regulatory achievement involving the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The Regulations has granted the company new privileges allowing it to approve its own “Flight Conditions” and issue Permits to Fly for specific scenarios.
In the press release, the company framed this development as a signal of regulatory confidence in their design and engineering processes. This authorization is expected to streamline future testing phases by reducing the administrative lead time required for certain flight approvals. It is important for industry observers to distinguish between the aircraft currently undergoing testing and the product Vertical Aerospace intends to bring to market. The operational update refers specifically to the VX4 prototype, which serves as a testbed for data gathering. However, the commercial future of the company rests on “Valo,” the production model unveiled around December 10, 2025.
While the VX4 validates the core physics and control laws, Valo features a redesigned airframe, updated wing architecture, and an under-floor battery system. The delay in the VX4’s full transition means that critical aerodynamic data needed to finalize Valo’s Certification profile, targeted for 2028, will not be fully available until the prototype completes its envelope expansion in 2026.
The delay of the full transition flight places Vertical Aerospace behind its primary United States competitors in terms of technical milestones. Competitors such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation successfully completed full piloted transition flights earlier in 2025. Furthermore, the European market saw a significant contraction earlier this year with the reported insolvency of Lilium in February 2025, highlighting the capital-intensive nature of the sector.
Financial-Results sustainability remains a key focus for Vertical Aerospace. According to the company’s Q3 2025 Business & Strategy Update, Vertical reported a cash position of approximately $117 million. Based on current burn rates, the company projects this capital will fund operations until mid-2026.
With certification slated for 2028, this creates a “funding gap” that the company will need to address. The shift of the transition milestone to 2026 may influence investor sentiment, as the market often looks to technical achievements as validation for further capital injection.
What is the difference between the VX4 and Valo? When will Vertical Aerospace achieve full transition? What is the company’s current financial runway?
Vertical Aerospace Updates VX4 Flight Test Progress; Full Transition Targeted for Early 2026
VX4 Flight Testing Achievements
Regulatory Developments
Strategic Context and Market Position
AirPro News Analysis: The VX4 vs. Valo Distinction
AirPro News Analysis: Financial and Competitive Landscape
Frequently Asked Questions
The VX4 is the current full-scale prototype used for flight testing and validation. Valo is the recently unveiled production-intent aircraft that Vertical Aerospace plans to manufacture commercially, featuring design improvements based on VX4 data.
The company has rescheduled the full piloted transition flight, where the aircraft switches from vertical lift to wing-borne flight, for early 2026, citing weather and scheduling constraints.
As of the Q3 2025 update, Vertical Aerospace holds approximately $117 million in cash, which is projected to sustain operations until mid-2026.
Sources
Photo Credit: Vertical Aerospace
Technology & Innovation
Eve Air Mobility Completes First Flight of Full-Scale eVTOL Prototype
Eve Air Mobility conducted a successful first flight of its full-scale eVTOL prototype in Brazil, validating key systems ahead of 2027 certification.
This article is based on an official press release from Eve Air Mobility.
On December 19, 2025, Eve Air Mobility achieved a critical milestone in the development of its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company, a subsidiary of Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer, successfully conducted the first flight of its full-scale prototype at the Embraer test facility in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo, Brazil.
This uncrewed hover flight validates the fundamental architecture of the aircraft, which utilizes a “Lift + Cruise” configuration distinct from the tilt-rotor designs favored by some competitors. According to the company’s official statement, the test confirmed the functionality of the electric propulsion system and the 5th-generation fly-by-wire controls, performing exactly as computer models had predicted.
While Eve Air Mobility is entering the flight-test phase later than some of its primary rivals, the successful deployment of a full-scale prototype signals the company’s transition from design to execution. With a target Entry into Service (EIS) set for 2027, Eve is leveraging Embraer’s industrial backing to accelerate its Certification program.
The test conducted in Gavião Peixoto was a dedicated hover flight. This specific profile is designed to test the vertical lift capabilities of the aircraft before attempting forward wing-borne flight. The prototype utilized eight dedicated vertical lift rotors to maintain a stable hover, allowing engineers to assess aerodynamic performance and control laws in real-world conditions.
Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility, emphasized the significance of the event in a statement released by the company:
“Today, Eve flew… This flight validates our plan, which has been executed with precision to deliver the best solution for the market.”
Following this successful hover test, the company plans to expand the flight envelope throughout 2026. This will involve transitioning from vertical lift to forward flight, powered by the rear pusher propeller, and testing the aircraft’s fixed wing for cruise efficiency.
The prototype flown represents the configuration intended for commercial certification. Unlike “tilt-rotor” designs that rotate propellers to switch between lift and cruise modes, Eve has opted for a separated “Lift + Cruise” architecture. This design choice prioritizes mechanical simplicity and potentially lower maintenance costs. According to technical specifications released by Eve Air Mobility, the aircraft features:
At AirPro News, we observe that Eve’s successful first flight places it in a unique position within the “race to market.” While competitors like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation have already logged significant flight hours with full-scale prototypes, including transition flights, Eve’s strategy appears to be one of deliberate, industrial-scale preparation over speed.
The “Lift + Cruise” design philosophy suggests a focus on reliability and operating economics. By avoiding the complex tilting mechanisms found in competitor aircraft, Eve may offer operators a vehicle with fewer moving parts and lower direct maintenance costs. Furthermore, Eve’s relationship with Embraer provides immediate access to a global service and support network, a logistical hurdle that independent Startups must build from scratch.
Despite being arguably the “tortoise” in terms of flight testing timelines, Eve holds the industry’s largest backlog of Letters of Intent (LoI), totaling nearly 3,000 aircraft. This massive order book indicates strong market confidence in Embraer’s ability to deliver a certifiable product.
Looking ahead, Eve Air Mobility has outlined a rigorous schedule for the next two years. The company intends to build five additional conforming prototypes in 2026 to accelerate data collection. These aircraft will be used to accumulate the hundreds of flight hours required for certification authorities.
Luiz Valentini, CTO of Eve, noted the disciplined approach to the upcoming testing phase:
“The prototype behaved as predicted by our models… We will expand the envelope and progress toward transition to wingborne flight in a disciplined manner.”
The company is targeting Type Certification from Brazil’s ANAC in 2027, with concurrent validation sought from the FAA (USA) and EASA (Europe). Commercial deliveries are scheduled to begin immediately following certification.
Eve Air Mobility Successfully Completes First Flight of Full-Scale eVTOL Prototype
Flight Details and Technical Validation
Aircraft Specifications: The “Eve-100”
AirPro News Analysis: The Strategic Landscape
Future Roadmap: Certification and Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Embraer
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