Shanghai-based tech startup AutoFlight has achieved a milestone in electric aviation with the delivery of its V2000CG CarryAll, a tonne-class electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The unmanned aircraft, boasting a maximum takeoff weight of 2 tonnes, received its airworthiness certification this week and will soon enter service with a Guangzhou low-altitude transportation operator.
The development follows AutoFlight's acquisition of type and production certificates in 2023, positioning China at the forefront of large eVTOL innovation. Industry analysts note the V2000CG's payload capacity sets new benchmarks for electric air transport solutions, with potential applications ranging from logistics to emergency response.
This advancement aligns with China's broader push to develop low-altitude airspace infrastructure, a sector projected to grow 25% annually through 2030. AutoFlight's progress comes as global competitors race to commercialize heavy-lift eVTOLs, though technical challenges around battery density and regulatory frameworks persist.
"This delivery demonstrates China's growing capabilities in next-gen aviation tech," said Li Wei, an aerospace analyst at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. "The certification process itself provides valuable insights for international regulators developing safety standards for large unmanned aircraft."
Business leaders are particularly interested in the aircraft's potential to streamline supply chains in mountainous regions and between coastal economic hubs. The Guangzhou operator plans initial deployments for time-sensitive medical equipment transport across the Pearl River Delta.
