Slovakian Flying Car Tech Finds New Home in China

KleinVision, the Slovakian company behind the groundbreaking AirCar, has finalised a deal to license its transformational flying car technology to Hebei Jianxin Flying Car Technology Company in China. While the financial details weren't disclosed, this move grants the Chinese firm exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute the AirCar within a specific geographic region in China.

AirCar: A Slovakian Success Story

The AirCar, which runs on a BMW engine and standard fuel, garnered attention with its 35-minute intercity flight in 2021.  Its ability to morph from a road vehicle to an aircraft in under three minutes offers a unique take on the flying car concept.

KleinVision Chairman of the Board, Stefan Klein, expressed his company's excitement about the licensing deal: "This partnership represents a significant step in our mission to expand global access to revolutionary mobility solutions and drive progress in the industry."

The East Meets West in the Race for the Skies

China has been a driving force in the electric vehicle (EV) revolution and it has its sights set on dominating the flying transportation sector as well. Hebei Jianxin has already built its own airport and flight school, demonstrating its commitment to the future of flight. Last month, Chinese company Autoflight successfully tested a passenger-carrying drone in a 20-minute flight from Shenzhen to Zhuhai.

While there are significant regulatory and infrastructure obstacles to overcome, aviation consultant Steve Wright believes China has an opportunity to overtake Western competitors: "China could well see this as an opportunity to get ahead."

‍Flying Cars: From Sci-Fi to Reality?

The AirCar deal brings fresh attention to the European role in the flying car industry. While practical applications will likely be more grounded than futuristic visions, KleinVision's technology transfer to China could prove pivotal to the global adoption of flying vehicles.