Seven eVTOL manufacturers were expected to start delivering products before the end of this year, according to CCID Consulting.

Local governments including Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chongqing are also preparing to loosen rules around low-altitude air travel businesses, helping to clear the way for broader passenger services.

Momentum picked up further on Tuesday after GOVY, a flying car unit of state-owned carmaker GAC, said it had secured 2,000 orders worth more than 3.3 billion yuan (US$474 million).

Analysts said the announcement strengthened confidence that commercial operations could arrive sooner than expected.

Under current rules, the vehicles are permitted to carry passengers and operate in low-altitude airspace – commercial airspace below 1,000 metres.