Zero Gravity Aircraft Raises $21M for Electric Plane Production

Hefei-based Zero Gravity Aircraft Industry has successfully closed a $20.7 million (RMB 150 million) Pre-B funding round, signaling a significant acceleration in its ambition to commercialize a diverse portfolio of electric aircraft. This latest infusion of capital follows a rapid succession of fundraising efforts, bringing the company's total secured funding over the past six months to an impressive $110 million (RMB 800 million) across four distinct investment stages.

The company stands out in the rapidly evolving aerospace sector as the sole Chinese manufacturer actively developing both electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) and electric conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) platforms. This dual-pronged approach positions Zero Gravity to address a broader spectrum of urban air mobility and regional transport needs as the low-altitude economy gains traction in China.

Zero Gravity's strategic focus on bringing certified electric aircraft to market is already yielding tangible results. Its fixed-wing electric aircraft, the RX1E-A, has achieved airworthiness certification and is currently in commercial service, boasting nearly 100 orders. Complementing this, the amphibious variant, the RX1E-S, has also secured its airworthiness certification and commenced commercial operations, demonstrating the company's capability to deliver certified products.

Looking ahead, Zero Gravity is making substantial progress on its eVTOL initiatives. The multi-rotor ZG-ONE has had its type certification application accepted by China's aviation regulator, with certification anticipated in 2026. Furthermore, the company's advanced tilt-rotor model, the ZG-T6, completed prototype assembly and its inaugural flight in January 2026, with its type certification application also accepted in February, underscoring a robust development pipeline.

Funds from this latest Pre-B round will be strategically allocated to advancing core product development and bolstering commercialization efforts. The objective is to transition Zero Gravity's innovative electric aircraft designs from prototypes to mass-produced realities, catering to the growing demand for sustainable aviation solutions. This funding is critical as the company navigates the complex path toward large-scale manufacturing.

The company's rapid ascent since its founding in March 2021 has been supported by key investors, including Hefei High-Tech Investment and other significant strategic backers. These partnerships highlight confidence in Zero Gravity's technological prowess and its potential to capture a substantial share of China's expanding low-altitude aviation market, a sector projected for significant growth in the coming decade.

The broader implications of Zero Gravity's progress extend to the global electric aviation industry. As regulatory frameworks mature and consumer acceptance grows, companies like Zero Gravity are paving the way for a new era of cleaner, more efficient air transportation. Their success could serve as a blueprint for other manufacturers aiming to enter this dynamic and capital-intensive market.