UAE Grants XPeng AeroHT X3-F Flight Permit
The approval came on September 10 during a flight test event at the Al Jazirah Flying Base in Ras Al Khaimah.
XPeng AeroHT has announced that the all-electric multicopter air module of its Land Aircraft Carrier, designated X3-F, has received a Special Flight Permit in the United Arab Emirates.
The permit allows the company to conduct crewed flight tests at multiple locations, though XPeng AeroHT did not specify the exact sites.
The approval came on September 10 during a flight test event at the Al Jazirah Flying Base in Ras Al Khaimah, which included an on-site authority review.
During the event, the X3-F, operated by a test pilot, performed a series of maneuvers including hovering, forward flight, 360-degree rotation, lateral flight, and coordinated turns.
Observers on site noted the aircraft’s stable handling and responsive controls, the company said.
In addition to the flight demonstration, XPeng AeroHT signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority.
The partnership will focus on flight test certification and exploring practical applications for the X3-F and future aviation products.
Potential uses include local government transportation, flight experiences, tourism, and emergency rescue operations.
Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates of the UAE, is known for its natural landscapes, innovative economic policies, and rapidly developing technology sector, XPeng AeroHT said, adding that the partnership aims to strengthen Sino-UAE technological cooperation and exchange.
The company also stated that Chinese eVTOL aircraft are expected to expand internationally, supported by initiatives such as the Belt and Road initiative.
Author’s note: XPeng AeroHT stated on LinkedIn that this is the first overseas crewed flight permit ever granted for a Chinese flying car. Their claim may be considered a matter of semantics, as the company brands its Land Aircraft Carrier model as a flying car. EHang has previously obtained overseas flight permits, including in 2020 when it received an operational flight permit for its two-seater EH216 from the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway, as well as a Special Flight Operations Certificate from Transport Canada.