EU company sells futuristic ‘AirCar’ licence to Chinese firm

Slovakian company KleinVision has sold a geographically limited licence to Chinese company Hebei Jianxin Flying Car Technology Co.

This grants the Chinese company rights to produce and distribute certified flying cars, with the use of KleinVision’s technology, within one specific geographical area, which until now remains undisclosed.

In media reports, KleinVision Co-Founder Anton Zajac, was quoted saying that this partnership represents “a significant step” in the company’s mission to “expand global access to revolutionary mobility solutions and drive progress in the industry.”

Back in 2021, the AirCar flew for 35 minutes between two Slovakian airports using airplane runways for take-off and landing. The car, powered by a BMW engine which makes use of normal fuel, took only two minutes to morph from an ordinary car into an aircraft, ready for flying.

Hebei Jianxin Flying Car Technology Company has already built its airport and established a flight school, after its initial purchase of another aircraft from another Slovak aircraft manufacturer.

China has been actively working towards developing and improving flying transport solutions. Just last month, AutoFlight performed the world’s first ever inter-city electric air-taxi demonstration flight between cities Shenzhen and Zhuhai. While travel by car between the two would take three hours, the flight took 20 minutes.

On the other hand, another Chinese firm – eHand – was awarded a safety certificate by Chinese officials in 2023 for its electric flying taxi.

Nonethless, it should be noted that these air taxis work differently than the AirCar, since it requires a runway.