Xpeng Aeroht Takes First Step in Abu Dhabi Partnership, "Land Aircraft Carrier" Vehicle X3-F Receives Special Flight Permit in UAE | XinXing PORTFOLIO
China's flying cars take flight in the UAE, with comprehensive low-altitude strategic cooperation being advanced across the country.
On the morning of September 10 local time, Xpeng Motors' "Land Aircraft Carrier" flying vehicle (X3-F) received a special flight permit in the UAE, officially launching crewed flight tests across multiple locations in the country. This marks the first special flight permit for a crewed aircraft ever granted to a Chinese flying car company overseas — a critical step in the internationalization of China's low-altitude electric manned flight technology. It also represents our return to the UAE with our latest-generation product, following our global debut flight in Dubai in 2022.
A pilot operates the "Land Aircraft Carrier" vehicle during an on-site regulatory review
At the Jazirah Aviation Club in Ras Al Khaimah, the "Land Aircraft Carrier" vehicle (X3-F) slowly lifted off under the control of a test pilot, precisely executing hovering, forward flight, 360-degree rotation, left and right sideways flight, and coordinated turns — demonstrating the vehicle's stable handling performance to the audience present.
Sheikh Saud and Ambassador Zhang Yiming observe the flight demonstration
At the event, Sheikh Salem, Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Civil Aviation Authority; Ismail, Director General of the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority; and Omar, Deputy Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, jointly presented the special flight permit to Deli Zhao, founder of Xpeng Motors. Sheikh Saud, Member of the UAE Federal Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Zhang Yiming, Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, witnessed the ceremony.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority issues the special flight permit for the "Land Aircraft Carrier" vehicle X3-F
During the ceremony, Xpeng Motors signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority to collaborate deeply on flying car test flight certification, scenario applications, and other areas. Under the agreement, Xpeng Motors will leverage the UAE's forward-looking policies and geographic advantages to advance local application exploration for the Land Aircraft Carrier and subsequent aviation products in government transportation, flight experience, tourism, emergency rescue, and other scenarios — jointly creating demonstrative use cases that enhance Ras Al Khaimah's international influence in future mobility.
Ismail, Director General of the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority, noted: "The success of this demonstration is not only a major milestone for Ras Al Khaimah as a global innovation hub, but also underscores our strategic partnership with Xpeng Motors. This collaboration perfectly aligns with Ras Al Khaimah's vision of driving technological innovation."
Signing the strategic cooperation agreement with Xpeng Motors
The "Land Aircraft Carrier" vehicle's cockpit features highly integrated intelligent large screens, making flight more visual and accessible than ever. The vehicle supports both automatic and manual driving modes. The autonomous aerial mode enables intelligent route editing, automatic route following, one-touch takeoff/return, 3D composite vision, landing assistance, and other functions.
Sheikh Saud of Ras Al Khaimah test-rides the "Land Aircraft Carrier" vehicle
The vehicle's manual driving mode breaks from the complex dual hand-and-foot controls of traditional fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, instead using our pioneering single-lever control system for flying vehicles. This integrates six degrees of freedom into one control stick, operable with one hand. Dual driving modes — "Comfort" and "Sport" — let users enjoy either the relaxed ease of Comfort mode or the hands-on thrill of Sport mode.
During autonomous flight, the pilot retains priority control authority and can take over at any time via the control stick. Whether in manual or autonomous mode, the intelligent flight control system provides continuous intelligent attitude protection, always keeping the flight attitude within safe parameters to ensure smooth and secure flight.
The "Land Aircraft Carrier" vehicle flies in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah, where this certification took place, is one of the UAE's seven emirates, known for its rich natural landscapes, innovative economic policies, and rapidly growing technology sector.
Xpeng Motors remains committed to the spirit of innovation, dedicated to bringing more convenient and efficient personal flight experiences to users worldwide. With the strong support and assistance of the Chinese Embassy in the UAE and the Consulate General in Dubai, Xpeng Motors will help elevate technological cooperation and exchange between China and the UAE to new heights. Looking ahead, driven by the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese flying cars will undoubtedly shine on the global stage.
Group photo of attending guests
Founded in 2022, Heart Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on technology and digital transformation.
The Heart Capital team consists primarily of founding partners and core investors from Lightspeed, along with senior industry investors from Cainiao and Baidu. The team's past investments include Xpeng Motors (NYSE: XPEV, 09868.HK), Full Truck Alliance (NYSE: YMM), Ambiq Micro (NYSE: AMBQ), RoboSense (02948.HK), QuantaSing (NASDAQ: QSG), FinVolution (NYSE: FINV), Hanshow Technology (301275.SZ), as well as Fangdd (NASDAQ: DUO), Microspace, LandSpace, Baichuan, Manbang Cold Chain, Fan Deng Reading, World Logistics, Lanhu, Starfield, and others.