GAC's GOVY AirJet completes maiden flight

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On July 3, GOVY, the flying car brand incubated by GAC Group, successfully completed the maiden flight of its first in-house developed composite-wing flying car, the GOVY AirJet, according to a post on GAC Group's WeChat account. The milestone marks a major breakthrough for Guangdong in advancing the low-altitude economy and signals the region's formal entry into the era of three-dimensional urban transportation.

The GOVY AirJet integrates a host of cutting-edge technologies and delivers strong performance. Featuring an 8-axis, 8-propeller configuration with dual ducted fans and a composite-wing design, the aircraft combines the efficient cruising capabilities of fixed-wing systems with the vertical takeoff and landing flexibility of multi-rotors. This allows the vehicle to operate without the need for a runway, making it well-suited for complex urban environments.

Powered by GAC's in-house developed high-performance electric propulsion system, the GOVY AirJet reaches speeds of up to 250 km/h and offers a range of 200 km—adequate for medium-range trips between cities across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area ("GBA"). A fast-charging capability allows for a 25-minute recharge, significantly enhancing operational efficiency.

Built with safety at its core, the aircraft adopts a lightweight design that exceeds aviation-grade safety standards. Over 90% of its structure utilizes carbon fiber composites, ensuring reduced weight without compromising structural integrity. Its battery system features multiple layers of protection and real-time monitoring, while an intelligent sensing and obstacle avoidance system helps it navigate complex airspace and prevent collisions by automatically mapping out safe flight paths.

Inside, the GOVY AirJet cabin offers a "1+1+X" flexible seating layout that can accommodate up to four passengers. The interior features include a modular functional floating island and a "pixel galaxy" starry-sky roof, creating a luxurious atmosphere likened to a business-class cabin in the sky.

The successful first flight marks a pivotal step for GOVY in shaping the future of low-altitude urban mobility. Looking ahead, the company plans to establish multiple takeoff and landing hubs across GBA, enabling a seamless low-altitude travel network connecting major cities. Once operational, the cost of a GOVY AirJet trip is expected to be around twice that of a traditional taxi, offering a premium yet accessible flying service for urban commuters.

By 2027, GAC's GOVY aims to pilot demonstration operations in two to three cities within GBA, further refining its service model and operational infrastructure. As technologies mature and costs decrease, the GOVY AirJet could significantly cut intercity travel time—from over an hour by car to under 40 minutes—helping realize the vision of a "40-minute living circle" in the Greater Bay Area.

In parallel, GOVY is developing an end-to-end low-altitude mobility ecosystem through its Robo-AirTaxi program, integrating seamlessly with ground transportation to deliver a one-stop travel solution. The company also plans to explore wider applications of flying vehicles in tourism, emergency response, and logistics, driving diversified growth in the low-altitude economy.