by GAC Launches Serial Production of AirCab Flying Taxi
Chinese automotive giant Guangzhou Automobile Group, known as GAC, has decided to go beyond traditional automobile manufacturing and explore the airspace. The company has launched serial production of its own eVTOL aircraft named AirCab, which will be produced under the Govy mobility brand. Currently, the annual production volume is limited to approximately 100 units.
AirCab has already received all necessary certificates for commercial operation and has successfully completed a full crash test program. This means we are looking at a finished product, not just a concept. The aircraft’s fuselage is made of lightweight carbon composites, and six arms extending from the cabin each carry a pair of propellers to generate lift.
Technical Specifications and Target Audience
Technical details about the aircraft are limited, but GAC previously reported that AirCab is equipped with high-density cylindrical batteries that fully charge in just 25 minutes. There is no information yet on flight range, but it is expected to be limited.
While some companies are aggressively developing eVTOL for mass mobility, GAC has more modest ambitions for AirCab. Currently, the company expects the aircraft to be used by tour operators for sightseeing excursions. Last year, GAC conducted several demonstration flights in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, showcasing this key use case.
Autonomy and Cost
AirCab is not only electric but also supports fourth-level autonomous piloting. If the thought of sitting in the passenger seat of a driverless robo-taxi makes you anxious, then GAC’s eVTOL is probably not for you.
As expected from an aircraft that flies itself, the AirCab is not cheap. The price starts at 1.68 million yuan, which is approximately $248,000. For that money, the tour operators who purchase this aircraft will likely charge a considerable fee even for a short flight.
The launch of AirCab production indicates that GAC is serious about diversifying its business, leveraging its existing technological developments in electromobility and composite materials. While the initial focus on the tourism sector seems a cautious step, it allows the company to refine logistics and maintenance services in real-world conditions. It is worth noting that the price of $248,000 makes the AirCab inaccessible to the mass consumer, but quite acceptable for a business that can monetize exclusive experiences. Further development of technologies and an increase in production volumes will likely lead to a reduction in cost, which may in the future open the way for broader adoption of such aircraft in urban infrastructure.
