Chinese low-altitude general aviation company Aerofugia has commenced production of its AE200-100 six-seat eVTOL urban mobility prototype.

The AE200-100 is Aerofugia’s first independently developed product and features an eight-rotor, four-tilted-wing configuration. Designed as a piloted, all-electric aircraft, it aims to deliver safety, comfort, economy and environmental performance.

The prototype production marks a milestone in the company’s work to achieve final airworthiness and type certification, and sets the path toward mass production. Aerofugia says that commercialisation will follow certification.

The company has already secured more than 1,000 commercial orders, with first-year production fully booked. Customers include Sichuan Airlines, Hualong Airlines, Shenzhen City Transportation Low-Altitude Operational Centre and Thailand’s SIT.

With a range of 200 km, the AE200 is positioned for roles in urban air mobility, tourism and emergency rescue. Its electric drive reduces costs compared with conventional helicopters. The AE200 has also completed its all-tilt transition flight test, becoming the first manned eVTOL in China and the second worldwide to achieve this.

Aerofugia says it will move ahead with accelerating the wider commercialisation of eVTOL products and technologies.