Shanghai’s AutoFlight has signed a cooperation agreement with the City of Hefei to support the city’s low-altitude economy ambitions through the supply of multiple electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The deal includes cargo and emergency response aircraft as well as the five-seat Prosperity passenger model. These will be used to support inter-city and intra-city air logistics, firefighting and sightseeing services. AutoFlight will also establish its East China headquarters in Feixi County, which will house final assembly, testing, sales and training.

Hefei has become a model for other Chinese cities through supportive policies and air traffic innovations and aims to use its new aircraft to accelerate the development of urban air mobility.

Backed by battery manufacturer CATL, AutoFlight uses CATL’s high-safety and high-stability battery systems in its lift-and-cruise configuration aircraft. Its CarryAll cargo model is the only aircraft globally with a maximum take-off weight exceeding one tonne to have obtained both a type certificate and production certificate. Airworthiness approval for the Prosperity passenger model is expected in 2026.