Flying Cars Collide Mid-Air During China Airshow Rehearsal

SEP 18·UPDATED SEP 18

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Above: Flight rehearsal ahead of the 2025 Changchun Air Show on Sept. 16, 2025, in China. Image copyright: Zhou Guoqiang/VCG/Getty Images

The Spin

Techno-skeptic narrative

This crash exposes the premature rush to commercialize flying car technology before adequate safety protocols are established. The collision during a simple formation flight demonstrates that these vehicles aren't ready for public use, let alone mass production by 2026 as promised.

The Telegraph X

Techno-optimist narrative

One isolated incident during high-difficulty stunt maneuvers shouldn't overshadow the tremendous progress in eVTOL technology and China's leadership in the growing low-altitude economic sector. The quick emergency response and minimal injuries prove that safety systems work effectively.

Global Times