Aerofugia, the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) subsidiary of Chinese automotive giant Geely, has secured a key Certificate of Airworthiness (CCAR-135) from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This certification makes Aerofugia the first eVTOL manufacturer in China authorized to conduct short-distance passenger flights with a 1-9-seat piloted aircraft. This achievement marks a significant milestone in transitioning from prototype development to commercial eVTOL operations.

Aerofugia's AE200 eVTOL aircraft on a runway

The CCAR-135 Certification Achievement

Aerofugia's CCAR-135 Air Operator Certificate, issued by the Southwest Regional Administration of the Civil Aviation Administration of China on May 20, 2025. The certification enables the company to operate its AE200 aircraft for long-term short-distance aerial sightseeing flights and irregular passenger transport services. This certification follows years of rigorous development and testing, with Aerofugia initiating the type certification process for its AE200 in April 2023 through a Project-Specific Certification Plan (PSCP) with the CAAC Southwest Area Management Bureau.

The certification is particularly significant as it positions Aerofugia alongside EHang as one of only two Chinese eVTOL companies to have achieved commercial operational certification, albeit with different operational authorities.

Understanding CCAR-135 Certification

The CCAR-135 Air Operator Certificate is an administrative license issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, authorizing aviation operators to engage in specific types of commercial operations. This certification is the Chinese equivalent of the FAA's Part 135 certification in the United States, governing small aircraft commercial transport operations. The CCAR-135 regulation applies to aircraft conducting scheduled passenger-carrying transportation with multi-engine airplanes having a maximum takeoff weight of not more than 5,700 kilograms, single-engine airplanes, and rotorcraft.

For eVTOL operations, the CCAR-135 certification is particularly crucial as it bridges the gap between experimental aircraft testing and full commercial deployment. The certification requires operators to maintain comprehensive safety management systems, including pilot training programs, maintenance protocols, and operational manuals. The rigorous certification process involves five phases: pre-application, formal application, design assessment, performance assessment, and administrative functions, each requiring specific documentation and compliance verification.

The Aerofugia AE200 eVTOL Aircraft in a Hangar

The AE200 Aircraft: Technical Specifications and Capabilities

The Aerofugia AE200 represents a sophisticated approach to eVTOL design, featuring a six-seater configuration that distinguishes it from many competitors in the market. The aircraft incorporates a tilt-rotor design with eight electric motors and propellers, enabling seamless transition between vertical takeoff and horizontal flight modes During vertical operations, all eight rotors function in a 90-degree position, while in cruise flight, four rotors tilt to serve as forward propulsion propellers.

The Aerofugia AE200 eVTOL aircraft in flight

The AE200's technical specifications demonstrate impressive performance capabilities within the eVTOL sector. The aircraft measures 9 meters in length, with a wingspan of 14.5 meters and a height of 4.6 meters. With a maximum takeoff weight of 2,500 kilograms, the AE200 achieves a mission cruise speed of 248 kilometers per hour and a maximum level flight speed of 320 kilometers per hour. The aircraft's operational envelope includes a maximum flight altitude of 1,000 meters above ground level and 3,000 meters above mean sea level, with a maximum range of 200 kilometers.

The AE200's construction utilizes advanced materials and systems designed for commercial aviation applications. The fuselage is constructed from carbon fiber composite materials, providing optimal strength-to-weight ratios while ensuring passenger safety and comfort. The aircraft features panoramic wrap-around windows for an enhanced passenger experience and retractable tricycle landing gear for conventional airport operations. Safety systems include Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP), providing redundancy through multiple propellers and motors, ensuring continued operation even in the event of individual component failures.

Competitive Landscape Analysis

The global eVTOL market presents a diverse competitive landscape with significant regional variations in development approaches and regulatory progress. Chinese manufacturers have established a dominant position in this emerging industry, accounting for over 70% of the world's low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle patent applications. The domestic Chinese market is dominated by four primary eVTOL developers: Aerofugia, EHang, AutoFlight, and XPeng AeroHT, each pursuing distinct technological and market strategies.

Performance comparison of major eVTOL aircraft models showing AE200's competitive advantages

 

EHang Holdings represents Aerofugia's most direct competitor in the Chinese market, having achieved the world's first eVTOL type certification for its EH216-S autonomous aircraft. However, EHang's approach focuses on autonomous, two-passenger operations with a 35-kilometer range, contrasting sharply with Aerofugia's six-passenger, pilot-operated configuration, which has a 200-kilometer range. AutoFlight's Prosperity I offers competitive specifications, including a four-passenger capacity and a 250-kilometer range, although it remains in the development phase without operational certification.

Globally, the competitive landscape comprises established players, including Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation from the United States, as well as European manufacturers. Joby Aviation's S4 aircraft boasts superior performance specifications, featuring a 241-kilometer range and a maximum speed of 322 kilometers per hour, accommodating a five-passenger configuration.

Chinese eVTOL Companies and Certification Progress, 2024

Company	Aircraft_Model	Country	Passenger_Capacity	Range_km	Max_Speed_kmh	Certification_Status	First_Flight	Commercial_Target
Aerofugia (Geely)	AE200	China	6	200	248	CCAR-135 Operator	2023	2026
EHang	EH216-S	China	2	35	130	Type Certified	2016	2024 (Active)
Joby Aviation	S4	USA	5	241	322	In Development	2017	2025
Archer Aviation	Midnight	USA	4	32	241	In Development	2021	2025
AutoFlight	Prosperity I	China	4	250	200	In Development	2021	2025
XPeng AeroHT	X2	China	2	35	130	In Development	2021	2025

 

China's Low-Altitude Economy Context

China's low-altitude economy has emerged as a strategic national priority, with government projections estimating market growth from 1.5 trillion yuan (approximately $208 billion) in 2025 to 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035. This comprehensive economic framework encompasses all commercial activities in airspace typically below 1,000 meters above ground level, including urban air mobility solutions, drone delivery services, and the development of vertiport infrastructure.

China's Low-Altitude Economy Context

Policy initiatives across multiple administrative levels evidence the Chinese government's commitment to low-altitude economy development. Currently, 30 provincial and municipal governments have integrated low-altitude initiatives into their development plans, with six cities, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Hefei, Suzhou, Chengdu, and Chongqing, designated as pilot zones for airspace operations below 600 meters. The National Development and Reform Commission established a dedicated Low-Altitude Economy Development Division in December 2024 to oversee sector growth and regulatory coordination.

Regulatory frameworks supporting the development of the low-altitude economy have evolved significantly since 2021, when the Chinese Communist Party formally endorsed the sector as a strategic emerging industry. The Civil Aviation Administration of China has implemented progressive policies to simplify UAV regulations while maintaining safety standards, creating an enabling environment for commercial eVTOL operations. Recent policy developments indicate 2025 as a critical year for implementation, with numerous cities initiating infrastructure projects to support low-altitude economic growth.

Market Implications and Future Outlook

Aerofugia's CCAR-135 certification achievement establishes important precedents for the global eVTOL industry, particularly regarding regulatory pathways for piloted aircraft operations. The certification enables the company to conduct trial operations and gather operational data essential for scaling commercial deployment. This regulatory validation provides a framework for other eVTOL manufacturers pursuing similar certifications, potentially accelerating the industry-wide commercial adoption of eVTOLs.

The market implications extend beyond individual company achievements to broader industry dynamics and investor confidence. The global eVTOL aircraft market, valued at $1.91 billion in 2025, is projected to reach $3.47 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate of 12.61%. China's domestic low-altitude logistics market alone grew from 27.18 billion yuan in 2020 to 58.18 billion yuan in 2023, with projections suggesting potential growth to 120-150 billion yuan by the end of 2025.

Aerofugia's phased deployment strategy involves initial operations using traditional helicopters to validate low-altitude routes and gather flight data, followed by progressive integration of AE200 aircraft into established systems. The company has already initiated trial operations on the Chengdu-Leshan route within the Bashu Low-Altitude Cultural Tourism Corridor, providing practical experience in point-to-point travel and aerial tourism services. This operational approach enables systematic risk management while building commercial viability for urban air mobility services.

Conclusion

Aerofugia's achievement of CCAR-135 certification represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of China's low-altitude economy and the global eVTOL industry. The company's successful navigation of complex regulatory requirements demonstrates the viability of commercial eVTOL operations and establishes a precedent for industry development. With superior technical specifications, including a six-passenger capacity, a 200-kilometer range, and a cruise speed of 248 kilometers per hour, the AE200 positions Aerofugia competitively within both domestic and international markets.

The broader implications of this certification extend beyond individual company success to validate China's strategic approach to developing a low-altitude economy. As the first eVTOL manufacturer in China authorized for short-distance passenger operations, Aerofugia's certification provides a pathway for scaling urban air mobility services and demonstrates the effectiveness of progressive regulatory frameworks. The achievement supports China's ambitious goals for low-altitude economy growth while contributing to global advancement in sustainable urban transportation solutions.