China has completed the world's first test flight of an electric air taxi in its quest to revolutionise inter-city travel.
The demonstration, organised by AutoFlight, the eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft) maker, was carried out between the southern Chinese cities of Shenzhen and Zhuhai, on February 27.
The aircraft, named the 'Shengshi Long', took off from the Shekou Cruise Homeport platform at exactly 5:00pm.
It ascended to an altitude of 320 feet and continued towards its destination.
Within minutes, it disappeared from the sight of on-site spectators.
Throughout the flight, helicopters accompanied and continuously filmed the aircraft's manoeuvres, presenting a spectacular scene of various aircraft types merging inflight.
Approximately 20 minutes later, it successfully landed at Zhuhai Jiuzhou Port.
It marked an important milestone towards a future where its China-based developers hope will be easily comparable to regular, ground taxis.
