TransFuture Aviation presented its bold vision for the future of urban air mobility at the Dubai Airshow 2025. Led by CEO Bai Zhiliang, one of China’s early eVTOL pioneers, the company showcased its Honghu fully tilt-rotor eVTOL and outlined a global roadmap that positions it strongly within the emerging low-altitude economy.

Founded with a mission to redefine personal and regional air travel, TransFuture Aviation has built a strong reputation in the fully tilt-rotor eVTOL space. Under Bai’s leadership, the company brings together experienced aviation experts from leading institutions and organisations. During the presentation, Bai noted that “the eVTOL era is not just approaching, it is being built today. More than mere witnesses, we are its architects.”

Supporting him is Zhang Wei, Co-Founder and Chief Scientist, who also directs the MIIT Key Laboratory and oversees the company’s R&D operations. The wider team includes specialists with backgrounds in major aviation research centres, including the National Key Laboratory of Aircraft Configuration Design, AVIC, and Honeywell. Together, their combined experience strengthens the company’s capabilities in flight control, propulsion systems, safety technologies, and airworthiness.

The presentation also highlighted aviation’s evolution, from the Wright Flyer of 1903 to modern electric vertical takeoff technologies. TransFuture drew comparisons with milestones such as the Cornu helicopter, the Douglas DC-3, and the V-22 Osprey. Bai shared that “each chapter in aviation history, CTOL, jet, helicopter, and now eVTOL, represents humanity’s pursuit of efficiency, safety, and freedom in the air.”

After years of testing multiple configurations, TransFuture concluded that the fully tilt-rotor model offered the best balance of efficiency, safety, and performance. Their research into Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP), which began in 2017, helped enhance redundancy, reduce mechanical complexity, and improve safety. According to Bai, DEP “fundamentally redefines aircraft architecture, enabling safer vertical flight and smoother transition to cruise, while offering unprecedented control authority.”

The company also uses advanced aerodynamic tools, including Lattice Boltzmann simulations, along with biomimicry inspired by bird flight to improve efficiency and stability. This research led to the creation of the Honghu eVTOL, which completed its maiden full-scale flight in December 2024 in Changsha. It became the world’s second fully tilt-rotor eVTOL engineering prototype and the first of its kind in China.

A major milestone followed in September 2025, when the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) officially accepted the Type Certification application for the Honghu eVTOL. This achievement sets a new benchmark for China’s eVTOL sector and strengthens the company’s regulatory foundation for future development.

Since 2023, TransFuture Aviation has completed four rounds of financing, raising several hundred million RMB. This support reflects strong investor confidence in the company’s DEP systems, intelligent flight control algorithms, and overall technological progress.

TransFuture also highlighted Dubai as a key region for early eVTOL adoption due to its supportive regulatory landscape and focus on innovation. The company shared mobility scenarios showing how eVTOLs can significantly reduce travel time in the region. For example, trips like Ajman to Dubai could reduce from 35 minutes by road to just 10 minutes by eVTOL.

The company also presented a case study on aerial tourism over Palm Jumeirah, where current helicopter services earn about AED 200 million annually. With eVTOL integration, TransFuture projects passenger numbers could rise to more than one million a year, potentially generating AED 2 billion. This growth could support local tourism, job creation, and new mobility infrastructure.

Bai described Dubai’s potential future as “a showcase of safe, serene, and swift aerial mobility,” offering both convenience and sustainability for residents and visitors.

TransFuture ended the presentation with an invitation for international collaboration, emphasising that the eVTOL revolution requires shared effort. Bai shared that “the eVTOL revolution is a global endeavor,” highlighting the company’s goal to help shape the next decade of advanced air mobility.

During the Airshow, Bai also met Joby Aviation Founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt, who appreciated TransFuture’s achievements in fully tilt-rotor technology. Bai also held a technical discussion with MIT’s Professor Jordan Karatzas, touching on the strengths of tilt-rotor and STOL architectures, further reinforcing the value of global cooperation in next-generation aviation research.

TransFuture aims to play a major role in the growing low-altitude economy, contributing to areas such as passenger transport, logistics, and emergency services. With its strong technical foundation, global partnerships, and sustainable approach, the company continues to push forward the future of air mobility.

Qatar Airways has entered into a partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts to strengthen benefits for business travellers. Through this collaboration, members of Qatar Airways’ Beyond Business and IHG’s Business Edge programme will be able to access shared loyalty privileges, including the ability to earn and redeem points across IHG’s global hotel network.

Beyond Business already offers several perks to corporate travellers. These include earning and redeeming Qrewards, Privilege Club tier benefits, priority baggage, and the option to offset carbon emissions for past and future travel under Qatar Airways’ voluntary carbon offset programme. The programme also supports companies in managing their travel budgets by providing solutions tailored to their spending patterns.

With this partnership, members can now sign up for IHG Business Edge for free and start receiving benefits right from their first qualifying stay. After this stay, they are upgraded instantly to IHG One Rewards Gold Elite Status, get guaranteed discounts at more than 6,800 IHG hotels worldwide, and earn 40% more points on each eligible stay.

IHG Business Edge, launched in 2018, has grown into a dependable programme for small and medium-sized businesses across the world. It helps members simplify their bookings while offering exclusive rates and loyalty benefits. As part of the partnership, IHG Business Edge members who join Qatar Airways’ Beyond Business programme will also receive 50,000 bonus Qrewards on their first Qatar Airways flight. These points can be used for flights, upgrades and more benefits.

Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, said: “Recognised as the World’s Best Business Class by Skytrax in 2025 for the 12th time, Qatar Airways continually seeks to enhance its corporate travel experience and rewards. We are proud to facilitate businesses and corporate entities through our partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts and their IHG Business Edge programme to deliver greater convenience and elevated experiences to both our members. Qatar Airways delivers a seamless passenger experience to business travellers at each touchpoint, from bookings to efficient transfers to offering Starlink, the world’s fastest Wi-Fi in the sky, for free onboard over 100 widebody aircraft. Through the partnership between our corporate travel programme, Beyond Business, and IHG Business Edge, organisations can now benefit from increased flexibility, exclusive savings, and value, maximising their travel benefits and rewards for greater returns.”

IHG Hotels & Resorts Senior Vice President Global Sales, Mr. Mark Sergot, added: “This collaboration brings together the strengths of Qatar Airways Beyond Business and IHG Business Edge to offer exclusive benefits, enhanced loyalty rewards, and seamless travel experiences. By leveraging our combined networks and expertise, we aim to provide exceptional value and convenience, supporting the evolving needs of our customers and making their journeys as seamless and rewarding as possible.”

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a new Gateway hotel in Mahapura, Jaipur. The upcoming property is a greenfield project and strengthens the brand’s presence in one of India’s most culturally rich cities.

Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Witnessing a surge in demand beyond its traditional leisure and MICE segments, Jaipur has evolved into a multifaceted destination. The city’s infrastructural growth and its emergence as a commercial centre has made it a hub for business travel and Gateway Mahapura, Jaipur will cater to this rising demand. We are delighted to partner with Shri Modi Group for this project.”

Strategically located along NH48 Jaipur Ajmer Road, the 161-key Gateway Mahapura, Jaipur will welcome guests to the city’s cultural vibrance. The hotel will offer an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant and a bar. Recreational facilities will include a swimming pool and a modern fitness centre. For gatherings and events, the hotel will feature a spacious banquet hall spread across over 9,000 sq. ft., making it suitable for weddings, conferences and social functions.

Mr. Antariksh Modi, Managing Director, Shri Modi Group, added, “We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL to bring the Gateway brand to Mahapura. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our vision to contribute to Jaipur’s growing hospitality demand.”

Jaipur, known for its rich heritage, continues to draw travellers with iconic attractions such as the Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. With the addition of this new property, IHCL will have 16 hotels in Jaipur, including 5 under development.

About the Owning Company:

Established in 1968, Shri Modi Group is a multi-generational Indian conglomerate with a strong legacy in mining and mineral processing, along with diversified interests in jewellery and real estate. Headquartered in Jaipur, the group is one of India’s key producers and exporters of natural minerals, including levigated china clay (kaolin), premium black marble, quartz, feldspar, limestone and silica sand. With mining operations across Rajasthan and exports to more than 15 countries, the group has built a global presence while staying rooted in its home state. Under the leadership of Mr. Anand Modi, Chairman, and Mr. Antariksh Modi, Managing Director, the group has introduced advanced technologies in marble mining and maintained high-quality standards. In 2010, it expanded into the jewellery segment with the launch of Jewlz by Neelam Modi.