Dunhuang, a "super IP" boasting desert landscapes, Yadan landforms, and the Mogao Caves, has become the testing ground for XPeng's flying car commercialization.

On October 28, the "Land Aircraft Carrier," a modular flying car developed by HT Aero, took to the skies with the hum of its rotors, marking its first flight in northwestern China. Following this milestone, HT Aero and Dunhuang authorities announced plans to launch the region’s first low-altitude self-driving tourism route.

For HT Aero, the "flight" in Dunhuang is not just a fusion of technology and poetic wanderlust—it’s a pivotal step toward bringing flying cars into the mainstream.

The route offers a "sky corridor + ground experience" tourism network, targeting the high-end travel market. Starting from the Crescent Moon Spring and Mingsha Mountain, it connects attractions like the Crescent Moon Spring Town, the Photovoltaic Expo Park, and the Yangguan and Yumen Passes before culminating at the Yadan World Geopark.

HT Aero isn’t going it alone. The Dunhuang Municipal Government has provided policy and operational support. Additionally, HT Aero signed cooperation agreements with five companies—Hangzhou Gaozhi General Aviation, Gansu Wanhua Industrial Group, Dunhuang Cultural Tourism Group, Dunhuang Feitian General Aviation, and Dunhuang Airport Economic Development—for flight camp development and an initial order of 200 flying cars.

These partners form a complete ecosystem spanning aviation hubs, low-altitude operations, and ground-based tourism services. To support operations, five dedicated flight camps will be built along the route, with trial operations slated for July 2026.

This means that next year, travelers could transition from "self-driving tours" to "self-flying tours."

Much like how electric vehicles revolutionized the auto industry, electrification is transforming aviation. The emergence of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has addressed cost barriers that once hindered low-altitude commercialization, bringing the era of affordable "flying taxis" within reach.

HT Aero’s strategy is to start with recreational use, encouraging outdoor "play." The cornerstone of this "Dunhuang model" is the "Land Aircraft Carrier," set for mass production and delivery in 2026.

HT Aero’s manufacturing base is already complete. Founder Zhao Deli revealed that the first batch of equipment is undergoing testing, with current production capacity at one aircraft per hour. After the second batch of equipment arrives, this could shorten to 30 minutes, enabling annual output of 10,000 units.

In China’s eVTOL sector, HT Aero shows unicorn potential. "After delivering our first-gen product, we could become the largest in volume," Zhao said.

With Dunhuang’s 200-unit order and a record-breaking 600-unit deal in the Middle East two weeks ago, HT Aero is pulling the trillion-dollar "low-altitude economy" from concept to commercialization.

However, successful eVTOL commercialization requires more than just manufacturing. Airworthiness certification—covering design (TC), production (PC), and airworthiness (AC) approvals—is critical. The "Land Aircraft Carrier" is currently pursuing the most challenging TC certification.

Zhao noted that after securing domestic TC approval, HT Aero will pursue international certifications, as he envisions equal demand from domestic and overseas markets.

Dunhuang’s tourism flights and Dubai’s "luxury toys" cater to recreational demand—just HT Aero’s first step. Its ambitions run deeper.

In China, the low-altitude economy is seen as a trillion-dollar blue ocean. Estimates suggest it could be 3.2 times larger than high-altitude aviation, potentially reaching 50 trillion yuan.

Few industries offer such vast potential, presenting a chance for HT Aero and other domestic players to leapfrog competitors. "Globally, there are 90 million cars sold annually, including a million luxury vehicles. China has no shortage of affluent consumers," Zhao remarked.

HT Aero’s strategy is a clear "two-phase" approach:

Phase 1: Use the "Land Aircraft Carrier" to target personal flight and short-distance tourism, aiming for annual sales of 10,000 units and 10 billion yuan in revenue while refining tilt-rotor technology.

Phase 2: Develop long-range commuter aircraft for the "air taxi" market, addressing intercity travel. HT Aero is concurrently working on the A868, a high-speed, long-range flying car designed to carry six passengers with a 500+ km range and speeds exceeding 360 km/h.

HT Aero doesn’t just want to build "toys for the rich"—it aims to be a key node in future 3D transportation networks.

Yet challenges remain. Flying cars merge aerospace and automotive industries, requiring complex supply chains. Balancing "aerospace precision" with "automotive efficiency" while ensuring cost control is a critical hurdle.

Zhao likened the future of flying cars to automotive platforms, where shared technologies boost R&D efficiency. "Platformization is a major competitive barrier," he said.

For the public, flying cars remain a novel concept. Building trust in their safety and reducing costs to mass-market levels will require sustained industry effort.

Nonetheless, Dunhuang’s rotors have stirred the skies after millennia of silence. With HT Aero’s Guangzhou factory scaling toward "tens of thousands" of units, a technology-driven "personal flight era" is accelerating from dream to reality.