by Elsie Clark | Jan 5, 2026 | Innovation
The Chinese city of Shanghai has set out a new strategy for aerospace development that aims to make it the world’s eVTOL capital by 2028.
According to policy documents, Shanghai’s ‘low-altitude economy’ could reach a value of CNY80 billion (US$11.4 billion) within two years. 10 leading firms will form a cluster for development, including eVTOl, drone, and other advanced air mobility (AAM) companies. Through investment across the supply chain, the city is targeting the production of 500 low-flying aircraft a year by 2028.
Shanghai is already established as China’s hub for eVTOL development. More than half of the country’s industry is concentrated there, including leading developers such as Vertaxi and TCab. EHang, based further West in Guangzhou, is another advanced eVTOL developer whose autonomous air taxis were recently trialled in a real-world test in Bangkok, Thailand.
Chinese businesses face stiff competition in the eVTOL adoption race. Middle Eastern countries including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have all signed partnerships with rival Western AAM companies, including Eve Mobility and Joby. Dubai in the UAE plans to launch its first commercial air taxi services later this year, while through Archer Aviation the city of Miami in the US also hopes to see eVTOLs take flight in 2026.
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by Elsie Clark | Dec 4, 2025 | Innovation
Archer Aviation has revealed plans for its vertiport network across Miami, as the eVTOL company hopes to launch its Midnight air taxis across the Floridian city in 2026.
The plans call for the redevelopment of existing heliports alongside the construction of new purpose-built vertiports. Designed to carry four passengers, Archer says that the Midnight aircraft is ideal for 10- to 20-minute journeys across Miami. The integration of a fully-fledged air taxi network will relieve congestion on the ground safely and efficiently, the company adds.
Miami’s three airports — Miami International, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, and Palm Beach International — will be redeveloped to host air taxi landing and take-off points. In the city itself, investment firm Dragon Global and real estate developer Related Ross will partner with Archer to build new vertiports serving the Magic City Innovation District and the West Palm Beach development respectively.
Bob Zangrillo, founder of Dragon Global and a partner in the Magic City Innovation District, said;
The Magic City Innovation District was designed as a next-generation hub for technology, culture, and mobility.
By partnering with Archer to integrate an entirely new layer of transportation, [we are embracing] an air mobility network that connects our district with the broader region and advances a multimodal, future-ready transportation ecosystem for South Florida.
Hard Rock Stadium has asserted its readiness to adapt existing helipads for eVTOLs. Home to the Miami Dolphins NFL team, a Formula 1 Grand Prix, and the Miami Open, the stadium is one of the world’s leading sports venues and welcomes millions of visitors each year. Apogee Golf Club, another internationally-renowned sporting venue, also said they were willing to redesign a heliport to accommodate eVTOLs.
The Miami plans represent another stage in Archer’s global commercialisation effort. The company signed a deal with Korean Air earlier this year, and recent partnerships at Dubai Airshow will see eVTOLs flying in Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia.
Francis Suarez, the Mayor of Miami, added:
Miami has never been afraid to bet on the future. We’re a city that attracts visionaries, embraces breakthrough technology, and turns bold ideas into real impact.
For years, I have worked with Archer as they have advanced a vision for an air-taxi network that will elevate Miami’s position as a global capital for innovation and mobility. What they are building is not just transformational transportation; it embodies the Miami mindset: we lead, we innovate, and we redefine what is possible.
Join us at Aerospace Tech Week 2026 to discuss the future of advanced air mobility (AAM).
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