In August 2024, China established an alliance for the development of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL). This move signals potential changes in the aviation industry and raises questions about competition with the US.
Formation of the Chinese Alliance
Chinese enterprises have joined forces in the China Low Altitude Economic Alliance (CLAEA) to promote eVTOL technology. According to alliance leader Luo Jun's forecast, China will have at least 100 firms in this field by 2030. This indicates China's intention to create a new industry focused on tight cooperation between engineers, policymakers, and infrastructure developers.
Achievements of Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation
California-based Joby Aviation delivered its first air taxi to the UAE, combining eVTOL technologies with high efficiency metrics. The company has logged over 40,000 miles of test flights and announced plans to begin operations by 2026. Archer Aviation has also made significant progress, being selected as the official air taxi provider for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Both companies employ similar technologies, highlighting the comparability of their approaches.
Potential and Challenges for the US
From a regulatory standpoint, the US only began to adjust its legislation in early June. This raises questions about how quickly leading American companies like Joby and Archer will be able to compete with the Chinese eVTOL market. Tightening timelines and changes in regulations could both assist and create additional hurdles for their growth in the market.
The comparison of eVTOL developments in China and the US underscores the growing competition in this field. The success of the Chinese alliance can be viewed as a challenge for American companies seeking to implement new technologies and succeed in the international market.
