Chinese startup Fengfei, known as AutoFlight in the West, has secured a production certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for its V2000CG Carry-All autonomous cargo aircraft. This certification, awarded on December 24, 2024, marks the world’s first production approval for an eVTOL exceeding 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs), with the aircraft’s gross weight capped at 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs). With this certification, AutoFlight is set to accelerate mass production, secure individual aircraft certifications, and enhance deliveries and after-sales services, further advancing its position in the eVTOL industry.

EHang Holdings, a leading Chinese eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) company, has launched an innovative automated takeoff and landing facility in Shenzhen's Luohu Sports and Leisure Park. This infrastructure supports the commercial operations of their pilotless EH216-S electric aerial vehicle (EAV), marking a significant advancement in urban air mobility (UAM).

Honeywell and NXP showcased an expanded collaboration at CES 2025 to develop advanced flight controls and accelerate the emergence of next-generation flying vehicles. This partnership builds on an existing relationship focused on optimizing building management systems. It has ventured into the aerospace domain to drive innovations in autonomous flight, enhanced data processing, and real-time AI-driven insights.

Shanghai has adopted a comprehensive strategy to develop its low-altitude economy through the Action Plan for the High-Quality Development of Shanghai’s Low-Altitude Economy Industry 2024–2027. The city is poised to become a global leader in advanced air mobility by building a robust ecosystem that spans research, manufacturing, and commercial applications of low-altitude aircraft. The initiative focuses on urban aerial services, eVTOL aircraft, drone logistics, and a modern regulatory framework that supports growth and innovation.

Recent Federal Aviation Administration research has revealed significant safety concerns regarding electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations. According to their December 2024 report “Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) Downwash and Outwash Survey,” these aircraft can generate downwash and outwash (DWOW) forces equivalent to hurricane-force winds, exceeding current safety threshold guidelines.

EHang, a leading urban air mobility (UAM) technology company, has achieved an important milestone. On January 16, 2025, the company successfully conducted the inaugural demonstration flight of its EH216-S pilotless eVTOL in downtown Shanghai, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of urban air transportation.

Vertiports are specialized infrastructure facilities designed for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. They are essential in the emerging Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiative. These innovative facilities can be integrated into existing structures, such as skyscraper rooftops and parking structures.

The global vertiport market is rapidly expanding as an essential component of advanced air mobility (AAM) transportation system, reflecting a significant shift in urban transportation dynamics. Vertiports, designed for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, aim to alleviate urban congestion and provide efficient, sustainable transport solutions in densely populated areas. This market is driven by increasing urbanization, technological advancements, and supportive government initiatives that recognize the potential of urban air transport to enhance connectivity and mobility.

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is revolutionizing how people and goods move, especially in rural and isolated regions where traditional transportation lacks efficiency and reach. AAM promises faster connectivity, economic growth, and improved quality of life in remote areas powered by electric and hybrid-electric aircraft innovations, such as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles.