SHANGHAI, 7th November, 2024 (WAM) – Huang Yongwei, CEO of Malaysia-based Tcab Tech, views the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) as a transformative opportunity for his company. “This is the time for us to showcase our vision for accessible, eco-friendly aircraft that align with public transport noise regulations,” he said.
Tcab Tech, specialising in tilt-rotor electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, aims to underscore its role in the expanding low-altitude mobility sector.
According to Huang, the Chinese government’s recent emphasis on the low-altitude economy as a critical component of its future mobility plans makes this the ideal moment for Tcab Tech to solidify its presence.
China Economic Net reported that the CIIE automotive pavilion has unveiled a section dedicated to "Future Low-Altitude Mobility," showcasing companies such as Volant, Tcab Tech, Yufeng Future, and Lanyi Aviation—each eager to contribute to the advancement of this emerging market. A seminar titled “A New Chapter for the Low-Altitude Economy: New Momentum at the Hongqiao Hub” further underscored the sector's potential, with several regional policies introduced to expedite its growth.
Huang expressed optimism about China’s low-altitude economy, predicting substantial growth. At the 2023 Central Economic Work Conference, the low-altitude economy was formally recognized as a strategic emerging industry, sparking a series of policy announcements. On November 5, 2024, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology held the first plenary session of the Low-Altitude Industry Development Leadership Group, outlining key initiatives to drive high-quality industry development.
“Support is coming from all directions, whether in funding or supply chain establishment,” Huang noted. He emphasised the importance of this support, drawing parallels to the global success of electric vehicles (EVs), driven largely by a robust supply chain. “In China, Tcab Tech benefits from the country’s advanced electric technology, which supports the development of our aircraft. Leveraging the established EV supply chain allows us to reduce costs and gain a competitive edge over international rivals.”
During the CIIE, Tcab Tech also expanded its reach beyond China. On November 6, the company signed a strategic partnership with Autocraft, a foreign partner, to explore the commercial potential of its E20 eVTOL in the UAE’s low-altitude tourism and air mobility markets.
Looking ahead, Huang emphasised the paramount importance of safety in the eVTOL industry. "The stakes are high, and we cannot afford mistakes," he said.
He also pointed to the broader implications of China’s eVTOL ambitions. “Historically, China hasn’t exported aircraft on a large scale,” Huang observed. “With electrification, however, we’re opening a new avenue that could enable ‘Made in China’ products to enter global markets. This is not just about manufacturing; it’s about pioneering high-tech innovation.”