The world’s first intercity flight using an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi took off and landed in approximately 20 minutes on February 27.
AutoFlight, a developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles based in China and Germany, achieved a significant milestone in urban air mobility on February 27 with the world’s first automated intercity eVTOL flight.
Automated Prosperity air taxi flight between the cities of Shenzhen and Zhuhai. (Photo: AutoFlight).
During this demonstration flight, the five-seat Prosperity air taxi from AutoFlight traveled between Shenzhen and Zhuhai in China, covering a distance of 50 kilometers. The flight lasted only about 20 minutes, significantly faster than the usual three-hour journey by car.
With a maximum operational range of 250 kilometers, the Prosperity can travel at a cruising speed of up to 200 kilometers per hour. Renowned designer Stephenson, who has worked with automakers like Mini, Fiat, Ferrari, McLaren, and Maserati, contributed to the design of the Prosperity. The successful flight on February 27 showcases AutoFlight’s technological prowess and the support of local authorities in integrating eVTOLs.
Tian Yu, founder and CEO of AutoFlight, expressed excitement about the new intercity flight. He stated that the company plans to collaborate with local authorities and partners worldwide to make eVTOLs safe, efficient, sustainable, and affordable in cities globally.
Yu mentioned that local authorities aim to develop a “low-altitude economy.” The strategy includes opening thousands of vertiports and hundreds of routes for eVTOLs in the Greater Bay Area of southern China, including the Shenzhen-Zhuhai route. Low-altitude applications encompass passenger transport, tourism, logistics, and emergency services. The short-term goal is to achieve 300,000 unmanned cargo flights in the region annually.
One of AutoFlight’s partners, Heli-Eastern, a helicopter service provider and general aviation operator, has agreed to purchase 100 Prosperity air taxis. AutoFlight anticipates obtaining passenger flight certification for the Prosperity within approximately two years.
The eVTOL technology holds great potential for transforming urban transportation. Compared to helicopters, eVTOLs require minimal infrastructure for takeoff and landing while still possessing the high-speed flying capabilities of traditional aircraft. The electric propulsion system of eVTOLs also promises lower operational costs and significantly reduced noise pollution.
