In China, Sky Is the New Highway: Future Flying Taxi Fares Revealed at CIIE 2025

Joane — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:47:43 +0000

Key Highlights:

China unveils its vision for low-altitude urban and regional air travel at the 2025 China International Import Expo.
Simulated “flying fares” show 10–15 minute flights between Shanghai and nearby cities for under CNY120 / $17
Electric aircraft with five-passenger capacity and 250 km range highlight sustainable mobility innovation.

source: ithome.com

A Glimpse into the Future of Urban Air Travel

The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai is not just a showcase of global trade; it’s a window into the future of transportation. On the third day of the event, the spotlight fell on the “Future Low-Altitude Travel” zone within the Automotive and Smart Mobility exhibition area. This unique section introduced visitors to the possibilities of everyday air commuting through low-altitude mobility systems.

The “Future Terminal” Experience

The exhibit was designed like a futuristic low-altitude travel terminal, complete with zones for security checks, digital flight information boards, and even a cozy waiting lounge. A key attraction was a simulated ticket vending machine, which allowed visitors to explore potential routes and fares of short-distance air travel.

According to the simulation, a 10-minute intra-city flight from the National Exhibition Center to The Bund in Shanghai could cost around ¥49 / $7, while a 15-minute cross-city flight from Shanghai to Suzhou would be priced at about ¥119 / $17. These figures are based on realistic projections of future operating costs, making the idea of “flying to work” seem surprisingly affordable.

source: ithome.com

Electric Aircraft Lead the Way

A prototype electric aircraft on display captured significant attention. The model featured a 15-meter wingspan, a 10-meter fuselage, and room for five passengers. It can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h and cover distances of up to 250 km on a single charge, perfect for regional commutes. The design emphasizes zero-emission, sustainable travel powered by advanced battery technology.

Strategic Significance for China

Low-altitude travel has been identified as a key component of China’s next-generation transportation network. It forms a crucial part of the country’s “low-altitude economy,” which has been prioritized under China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. The focus reflects China’s ambition to integrate electric air mobility into daily life, connecting urban and suburban regions faster, cleaner, and more efficiently.

At CIIE 2025, this showcase wasn’t just an exhibit; it was a bold statement of how China envisions the skies becoming part of everyday travel in the years ahead.

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China launches autonomous ride-hailing Robotaxis in Dubai with Baidu Apollo Go

Joane — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 06:37:40 +0000

Baidu’s Apollo Go has signed a cooperation agreement with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to introduce autonomous ride-hailing services in the city. This marks a significant step in Apollo Go’s global expansion, as Dubai becomes its first international market outside mainland China and Hong Kong. The partnership aligns with Dubai’s vision of advancing smart mobility and integrating autonomous technology into its transportation network.

100 Apollo Go Robotaxis by 2025, expanding to 1000 by 2028

The initial phase of the project will see 100 Apollo Go RT6 robotaxis deployed in Dubai by the end of 2025. These autonomous vehicles are designed for safe and efficient driverless mobility, equipped with high-reliability systems and an intuitive user experience. By 2028, the fleet will expand to no fewer than 1,000 vehicles, supporting Dubai’s goal of making 25% of its transportation autonomous by 2030. This large-scale deployment underscores the city’s commitment to pioneering self-driving technology.

150 Million KM of safe driving & 10 Million rides completed

Apollo Go has a proven track record in autonomous driving, having completed over 150 million kilometers of safe driving and provided more than 10 million rides. The RT6 robotaxis are designed with advanced safety features, ensuring a comfortable and reliable ride. With experience in large-scale operations in cities like Wuhan, China, Apollo Go is well-prepared to manage the complexities of an urban environment like Dubai. The company will collaborate closely with Dubai authorities to adapt the technology to local regulations and road conditions.

Dubai’s advanced infrastructure helps Apollo Go’s expansion plans

Dubai has been at the forefront of supporting autonomous vehicle initiatives, making it an ideal location for Apollo Go’s international expansion. The city’s intelligent infrastructure and commitment to innovation provide a strong foundation for autonomous mobility services. Testing will begin in central areas of Dubai to ensure the technology adapts smoothly to local traffic patterns and urban challenges.

Apollo Go expands globally with support from Hong Kong and the UAE

Baidu’s global ambitions for Apollo Go were further strengthened when it received the first autonomous vehicle test license in Hong Kong in November 2024. Dubai’s selection as the first market for full fleet deployment highlights the trust and support of the UAE government. This partnership follows Baidu CEO Robin Li’s meeting with UAE leaders at the World Governments Summit in February 2025, where strong backing was expressed for Apollo Go’s vision of sustainable and intelligent urban transportation.

What is the future of Smart Urban Mobility?

Apollo Go aims to revolutionize urban mobility by providing safe, efficient, and intelligent transportation solutions. As cities worldwide embrace smart transportation, Baidu’s expansion into Dubai marks a key milestone in making autonomous ride-hailing a reality on a global scale. The partnership with RTA is a major step towards achieving a smarter and more connected future for urban transport.

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