A CHINESE company has unveiled groundbreaking plans for the world’s largest flying car, carrying up to 10 people.
The milestone comes as part of China’s broader push to lead the so-called low-altitude economy.
Chinese aviation start-up AutoFlight company revealed Matrix on Thursday – a five-tonne electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle.
Following a successful flight demonstration at a testing facility, Matrix has been described as the largest eVTOL aircraft of its kind in the world.
The aircraft measures 17.1 metres in length and stands 3.3 metres high, with an impressive 20-metre wingspan.
It is available in two variants, designed for passenger transport and heavy-duty logistics, and can carry up to 10 passengers at maximum capacity.
The achievement marks a significant leap for an industry that has largely focused on smaller eVTOL models weighing between 1.5 and 3 tonnes, typically carrying no more than six passengers.
AutoFlight operates alongside companies such as 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 paying passengers as early as 2026, with seven manufacturers expected to begin deliveries before the end of this year.
To ensure regulation keeps pace with rapid technological development, 10 government departments – including the market regulator and transport ministry – jointly released new guidelines last week.
These aim to establish basic standards by 2027, with the goal of introducing more than 300 standards by 2030.
The frameworks will focus on five core areas: aircraft, infrastructure, air traffic management, safety supervision and application scenarios.
Founded in 2007, AutoFlight initially focused on 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 company’s total orders.
This is despite certification still being in progress, though Xie expects approval for passenger use within one to two years.
For commercial operations, eVTOL aircraft must obtain three approvals: a Certificate for Design, a Production Certificate for manufacturing, and an Airworthiness Certificate for individual aircraft.
While awaiting full certification, AutoFlight has already begun taking orders for future passenger aircraft deliveries.
The company’s earlier models include the two-tonne cargo aircraft CarryAll.
In a recent milestone, CarryAll completed the world’s first cross-city cargo flight, transporting blueberry juice over a distance of 160 kilometres (99 miles) in just one hour.
AutoFlight’s rapid rise has been supported by a partnership with CATL, the world’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer.
Xie has previously suggested that aerial travel costs could eventually be comparable to premium ground-based ride-hailing services.
However, he urged caution – noting that large-scale operations remain three to five years away.
“The truly massive growth will occur when the commercialisation of passenger aircraft begins,” he said.
The company’s ambitions extend beyond China.
Xie has identified Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East as key expansion targets.
“Our growth will be extremely rapid,” he said.
“We will be one of the most advanced players in the industry.”
