China’s AutoFlight unveils world's first 5-ton, 10-seat passenger “Flying bus”

China-based aviation start-up AutoFlight has unveiled a five-tonne electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle called Matrix on Thursday.

All about 'flying bus' Matrix

After a successful flight demonstration at a testing facility, Matrix has been named as the largest eVTOL aircraft of its kind in the world.

The said aircraft by the Chinese startup measures 17.1 metres in length and stands 3.3 metres high, with an impressive 20-metre wingspan.

What’s more, available in two variants, it is designed for passenger transport and heavy-duty logistics, carrying up to 10 passengers at maximum capacity.

AutoFlight operates alongside EHang and Aerofugia as one of China’s key players in the eVTOL sector, as the country races to set standards for domestic manufacturing and operation.

China could see its first flying car carrying domestic passengers as early as 2026, with seven manufacturers expected to begin deliveries before the end of this year.

This marks a significant leap for an industry that has largely focused on smaller eVTOL models weighing between 1.5 and 3 tonnes, that carried no more than six passengers.

These aim to establish basic standards by 2027 and introduce more than 300 standards by 2030.

The frameworks will focus on five core areas, such as aircraft, infrastructure, air traffic management, safety supervision and application scenarios.

Founded in 2007, AutoFlight started with cargo transportation before identifying strong potential in passenger flights.

According to Senior Vice-President Xie Jia, passenger aircraft now account for 70 per cent of the startup’s total orders.

The Chinese flying car company’s earlier models include the two-tonne cargo aircraft CarryAll.

Notably, CarryAll completed the world’s first cross-city cargo flight, transporting blueberry juice over a distance of 160 kilometres or 99 miles in just one hour.

AutoFlight’s quick rise has been credited to its partnership with CATL, the world’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer.

“The truly massive growth will occur when the commercialisation of passenger aircraft begins,” Xie said.

Identifying Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East as key expansion targets, the company aims to extend beyond China.

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