World’s Largest eVTOL Is Here — and It’s Not from the West
News Desk
Beijing: China has taken a significant step in the emerging flying car and low-altitude aviation sector with the unveiling of the world’s largest electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, named Matrix.
Developed by Chinese aviation start-up AutoFlight, the five-tonne (11,000-pound) aircraft highlights China’s growing ambitions in advanced air mobility.
AutoFlight is backed by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), the world’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer, underscoring the strong industrial support behind the project.
The Matrix eVTOL features a 20-metre (65-foot) wingspan and measures 17.1 metres in length and 3.3 metres in height. It is designed in two variants—one for passenger transport and another for heavy-duty logistics. The passenger version can carry up to 10 people, surpassing most existing eVTOL models, which typically seat between four and six passengers.
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AutoFlight is among a growing group of Chinese companies competing in the commercial eVTOL space, alongside firms such as EHang and Geely-backed Aerofugia. These companies benefit from robust government backing as China seeks to establish leadership in what it calls the “low-altitude economy.”
Chinese authorities are actively developing regulatory frameworks for the sector, with plans to introduce basic regulations by 2027 and more than 300 industry standards by 2030. The move is intended to accelerate commercialization while ensuring safety and interoperability.
Founded in 2017, AutoFlight initially focused on cargo transportation. However, the company has recently seen a sharp increase in demand for passenger flights, which now account for around 70 percent of its orders.
AutoFlight expects to obtain passenger certification within the next one to two years, paving the way for commercial deliveries.
With CATL’s support, AutoFlight aims to make aerial travel more accessible, targeting operating costs comparable to premium ground-based ride-hailing services.
The company is also eyeing international expansion, particularly in regions with limited transport infrastructure, including Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
As China accelerates efforts to shape the future of urban and regional air mobility, projects such as Matrix reflect its broader strategy to dominate next-generation transportation technologies.
