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AutoFlight, the pioneering air taxi developer, is making significant strides toward the commercialization of its Prosperity electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. In a groundbreaking move, the company delivered the initial model of its battery-operated aircraft to a corporate client in Japan, even before securing official certification.
Advancing Towards Commercialization
AutoFlight‘s handover of the Prosperity to an undisclosed client marks a historic moment, heralding “the world’s inaugural delivery of a civilian ton-class eVTOL aircraft.” Unlike its Chinese competitor EHang, which began customer deliveries post-regulatory approval, AutoFlight’s delivery to Japan sets a new precedent in a market yet to grant commercial authorization for such aircraft.
Vision for the Future
Despite awaiting official clearance in Japan, AutoFlight’s client has ambitious plans. They aim to conduct demonstration eVTOL flights during the 2025 Osaka World Expo, laying the groundwork for broader air taxi services across the country.
Prosperity: A Game-Changer in Urban Mobility
The piloted Prosperity is engineered to accommodate up to four passengers and carry a maximum payload of 350 kilograms, covering distances of over 250 kilometers on a single charge. This versatility and efficiency make it a promising solution for urban transportation challenges.
Milestones Achieved
The delivery of the first Prosperity model marks another milestone in AutoFlight’s remarkable journey. Earlier this year, the company achieved a significant feat by completing the first-ever inter-city flight by a next-generation air taxi. This 20-minute journey between Shenzhen and Zhuhai, typically a three-hour car trip, underscored the aircraft’s speed and efficiency.
Cargo Innovation
In addition to passenger transportation, AutoFlight has also secured Type Certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China for its CarryAll cargo version of the eVTOL. With over 200 orders already in place for the CarryAll, there is evident market demand for both passenger and freight versions of the aircraft.
Looking Ahead
Tian Yu, co-chair of AutoFlight, views the delivery of the first Prosperity as a pivotal moment for the company. He anticipates a seamless transition from certification to mass production, with a robust market appetite for their innovative electric aircraft.
“The official delivery of the first Prosperity to a customer signifies a new chapter for AutoFlight as we begin to ship our innovative electric aircraft to global markets,” said Tian Yu. “Additionally, the strong demand for our CarryAll cargo planes underscores the promising future ahead.”
By pioneering advancements in eVTOL technology and demonstrating a commitment to meeting market demand, AutoFlight is poised to revolutionize urban air mobility on a global scale.
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