Xpeng AeroHT, a subsidiary of the Chinese EV brand Xpeng, garnered significant attention for its innovative
air vehicle concept, the Land Aircraft Carrier (LAC). This modular electric van features six wheels and is
designed to carry a two-seater electric drone. Similar to an aircraft carrier launching jets, the van houses the
drone in its rear compartment, which can be deployed at the press of a button. Korean startup Nearthlab
earned the Best of Innovation award for its next-generation unmanned and fully automated drone solution.
By incorporating a feature that enables drones to acquire flight permissions directly from their drone station,
Nearthlab’s technology allows for rapid deployment in urgent situations. Additionally, the company introduced
a system that automates battery replacement and charging once drones return to their station and integrated
cooling features to lower the drone’s temperature after flight. Delta Air Lines, which captivated audiences by
delivering a keynote address and an immersive video showcasing a flight journey at the iconic Sphere in Las
Vegas, introduced its Delta Concierge service, aimed at enhancing customer travel experience. Notably, Delta
announced partnerships with ride-hailing and delivery company Uber and electric air taxi service provider
Joby, signaling a shift toward a seamlessly connected travel experience, where the customer journey—from
the first mile to the last—is fully integrated.