Bridging Cities: AutoFlight's Historic Flight Between Shenzhen and Zhuhai

AutoFlight’s Prosperity eVTOL completed the world’s first inter-city electric air-taxi demonstration flight between Shenzhen and Zhuhai, a groundbreaking moment in the evolution of urban air mobility, spotlighting the transformative potential of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology. This pioneering flight, covering 50km (31 miles) in just 20 minutes—a journey that typically takes three hours by car—underscores the efficiency and innovation at the heart of AutoFlight’s mission.

The five-seater Prosperity aircraft’s successful autonomous navigation across the Pearl River Delta showcases significant technological advancements and aligns with China’s broader vision for a “low-altitude economy.” This strategy, envisioned by regional authorities, aims to revolutionize transportation by introducing thousands of vertiports and hundreds of eVTOL air routes across the Pearl River Delta Area. This ambitious plan is set to enhance passenger transport, tourism, logistics, and emergency services, further supported by the annual development of 300,000 cargo UAV flights in the region.

The demonstration flight traveled from Shekou Ferry Port in Shenzhen to the Jiuzhou Ferry Port in Zhuhai, one of the world’s most densely populated regions, navigating complex airspace bordered by multiple international airports. The uncrewed, fully autonomous flight paves the way for certification of crewed passenger flights, anticipated within the next two years. The Prosperity aircraft, designed by Frank Stephenson, reflects a blend of aesthetic appeal and functional innovation, contributing to the broader mission of transforming urban air mobility.

Tian Yu, AutoFlight’s founder, CEO, and Co-Chairman, expressed his excitement about the milestone, stating, “We are thrilled to showcase AutoFlight’s cutting-edge capabilities today in the world’s first cross-sea and inter-city eVTOL demonstration flight. Working closely with the local authorities and partners here and in other jurisdictions worldwide, we will continue to drive this revolution to bring safe, efficient, sustainable, and affordable eVTOL flight options to cities worldwide.” He also highlighted the partnership with Heli-Eastern, which agreed to purchase 100 Prosperity eVTOL aircraft for use in routes demonstrated by AutoFlight, enhancing the network of air-taxi routes in the region. “We warmly welcome our strong cooperation with Heli-Eastern, and together, we are rapidly moving towards fully operational air-taxi routes all across the region,” he added.

AutoFlight’s achievement with the Prosperity eVTOL aircraft adds a critical milestone to the journey toward sustainable urban air travel. By eliminating the need for traditional runways and harnessing electric power for vertical take-offs and cruising, eVTOL technology presents a solution that is not just sustainable but also accessible and adaptable to the needs of modern cities. This flight is a testament to the potential of eVTOLs to redefine urban landscapes, offering a sustainable alternative that promises to reduce travel time significantly, decrease carbon footprints, and reshape how we think about city-to-city transportation.

As eVTOL technology continues to evolve and regulatory pathways clear, the dream of widespread urban air mobility grows closer to reality. The collaboration between AutoFlight and Heli-Eastern, coupled with the support of regional government initiatives, exemplifies China’s synergistic approach to bringing these advanced air mobility solutions to the forefront of urban planning and transportation strategy.

The Prosperity I eVTOL by AutoFlight is designed to emphasize safety, sustainability, and efficiency. It features a max range of over 250 km, a cruise speed exceeding 200 km/h, and a typical payload capacity of around 350 kg. Its hover noise signature is approximately 65 dBA, ensuring a quieter operation suitable for urban environments. The aircraft is fully electric, supporting both lift and cruise phases of flight, highlighting its role in the future of mass individual transport with an eco-friendly approach.​

For more detailed information, please visit AutoFlight's official website​​. AutoFlight.com