AutoFlight Achieves CAAC Production Certification for CarryAll eVTOL Cargo Aircraft
CERTIFICATION MARKS A SIGNIFICANT STEP FOR MASS PRODUCTION
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has awarded AutoFlight a Production Certificate (PC) for its CarryAll unmanned cargo aircraft. This certification represents a groundbreaking moment as it marks the first production license for a 2-ton electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, paving the path for mass production.
UNDERSTANDING THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS
On December 24, 2024, the CAAC granted the Production Certificate. This certificate is one of three critical certifications that validate aircraft airworthiness, ensuring that a manufacturer can reliably produce aircraft in accordance with approved design standards.
AutoFlight initially achieved a Type Certificate (TC) for the CarryAll in March 2024, after which the focus shifted to obtaining Production Certification. The CAAC’s team undertook a thorough evaluation process that included reviews of quality system documentation, on-site inspections, and supplier audits.
During this certification journey, AutoFlight established a detailed Production Quality Assurance Manual, which includes 39 procedural documents. The CAAC team conducted over 100 inspections on-site and organized 13 formal review meetings before granting the coveted certification.
FORWARD STEPS FOR CARRYALL
With the production approval secured, AutoFlight intends to ramp up the manufacturing of CarryAll and commence individual aircraft certification (AC). The company plans to put in place delivery and after-sales support systems to facilitate commercial operations.
AutoFlight has already entered into agreements with various logistics companies and low-altitude operators, aiming to enhance the use of eVTOL technology for air logistics, thereby boosting efficiency and environmental sustainability.
CARRYALL: A BRIEF OVERVIEW
The CarryAll is a fully electric, autonomous cargo aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of 2 tons. Its payload capabilities rival those of a small helicopter, yet it provides several benefits, including quieter operations, lower operating costs, and enhanced environmental performance.
Designed for low-altitude applications, CarryAll primarily targets three sectors: logistics transport, emergency supply delivery, and rescue missions. Its customers include logistics companies, emergency service providers, general aviation operators, and government entities.
AUTOFIGHT’S PROGRESSION IN eVTOL TECHNOLOGY
AutoFlight, established in 2017, focuses on eVTOL innovation and has successfully completed over 10,000 transition flights. The company adopts a developmental strategy focused on scaling “from small to large, from cargo to passenger” in its aircraft advancements.
Among its key achievements, AutoFlight has established a world record for single-battery flight distance at 250.3 km, successfully orchestrated a formation flight involving three full-scale eVTOL aircraft, and completed the inaugural inter-city eVTOL air-taxi flight connecting Shenzhen to Zhuhai in February 2024.
The CAAC has also accepted the Type Certificate (TC) application for AutoFlight’s manned Prosperity aircraft, beginning the type certification process officially.
For further details, visit AutoFlight.
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