Chinese eVTOL aircraft developer Aridge is expanding plans to conduct flight validation exercise in the UAE. On September 19, the company signed an agreement with Ras Al Khaimah officials to establish a so-called ‘sandbox’ providing a regulatory framework to permit experimental flight trials.
The company, which formerly operated under the name XPeng AeroHT, has agreed to work with UAE authorities on flight validation and regulations. Ras Al Khaimah’s transportation agency will lead the project with support from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, according to Aridge.
The announced plans include starting a demonstration route to connect Ras Al Khaimah with Abu Dhabi. The route will be used to assess requirements for potential inter-emirate advanced air mobility operations, including flight planning, airspace coordination, ground support, passenger handling, aircraft turnaround, and safety management.
However, Aridge did not say when this trail route will start or explain which aircraft will be tested. Its product portfolio includes the modular Land Aircraft Carrier and the six-seater, hybrid-electric A868 eVTOL.
The agreement with Ras Al Khaimah follows a recent formation flight with Land Aircraft Carrier close to the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. This was hosted by the Chinese Embassy for the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and to mark 42 years of China–UAE ties, with Ambassador Zeng Jixin and UAE government and business representatives attending.
Aridge claims it is the first Chinese eVTOL developer to enter a national-level regulatory sandbox in the Middle East. However, other companies including TCab Tech and Autocraft have previously announced similar initiatives, as have numerous Western companies, including Joby and Archer.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. H.E. Eng. Esmaeel Hasan Al Blooshi signed for the Ras Al Khaimah side and Dr. Han Juexian for Aridge, with founder Zhao Deli also in attendance. In remarks released by Aridge, Sheikh Saud said Ras Al Khaimah is using innovation and new technologies to grow its economy, improve quality of life, strengthen its competitiveness, and reinforce its position as a preferred place to live, work, invest, and visit.
The developer added that the UAE program is intended to support the development of local advanced air mobility operations and provide experience for its planned expansion into markets including Europe and Southeast Asia.
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