China accelerates eVTOL rollout as experts predict 100,000 aircraft by 2030

China is accelerating its low altitude economy with an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) rollout, as experts predict more than 100,000 aircraft in service by 2030 to transform urban transportation and spur new growth.

Experts forecast that commercial eVTOL routes could be operating in Chinese cities within two years, backed by strong supply chains and a sector projected to reach nearly 500 billion yuan in a decade.

Chinese drone maker EHang has spent years testing eVTOLs, and the industry now looks set for lift-off. The featured prototype, fitted with sixteen propellers, offers passengers greater stability than helicopters, though noise and vibration remain noticeable, more like riding an old bus than a smooth flight.

Designed to cut congestion and move people quickly across cities, the aircraft is part of China's low altitude economy, which spans activity below 1,000 meters. For perspective, the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, rises to 828 meters.

"I believe that within the next two years, urban eVTOL air routes will become fairly common. Some cities are already geared for commercial flights," said He Tianxing, vice president of Ehang.

While eVTOLs may appear complex, nearly 80 percent of their components are already used in electric vehicles, a sector where China has established strong supply chains. That foundation could accelerate development, with experts predicting more than 100,000 eVTOLs in service by 2030.

Beyond passenger transport, the aircraft are expected to play roles in cargo delivery, emergency rescue, and firefighting.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China estimates the low altitude economy could reach nearly 500 billion yuan (about 72.5 billion U.S. dollars) within a decade.

China accelerates eVTOL rollout as experts predict 100,000 aircraft by 2030

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday presided over a State Council executive meeting that studied work on building a unified national market and reviewed and approved a plan for the development of a modern emergency response system during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).

Noting that building a unified national market is essential to advancing high-quality development, the meeting called for deepening institutional frameworks in areas such as property rights protection, market access, fair competition, social credit and market exit mechanisms.

The meeting also urged efforts to advance high-standard connectivity of market infrastructure to facilitate smooth economic circulation and effectively reduce logistics costs across society.

Emergency management is critical to protecting people's lives and property, the meeting said. It called for accelerating the development of a modern emergency response system, deepening reform and innovation in emergency management, and improving coordinated response mechanisms.

Efforts should be made to strengthen risk prevention at the source, enhance monitoring, forecasting and early warning, and accelerate a shift in governance toward proactive prevention, according to the meeting.

A draft revision of the Law on the People's Bank of China was also discussed and approved in principle at the meeting, which decided to submit the draft to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for deliberation.

Chinese premier chairs State Council executive meeting