China has introduced the world’s largest eVTOL aircraft, marking a major step in electric aviation and low-altitude transport.
The aircraft, named Matrix, comes from Chinese aviation start-up AutoFlight. The company developed the model with support from battery giant CATL.
Matrix weighs around five tonnes and reflects China’s growing ambitions in the flying car market. It also signals strong momentum in the country’s low-altitude economy strategy.
The aircraft has a wingspan of 20 meters and a length of 17.1 meters. Its height reaches 3.3 meters, making it far larger than existing eVTOL designs.
AutoFlight designed the Matrix in two variants. One version focuses on passenger transport, while the other supports heavy-duty logistics operations.
The passenger model can carry up to 10 people. This capacity places it well above most current eVTOL aircraft, which usually carry four to six passengers. China’s eVTOL sector includes several active players. These include Ehang and Aerofugia, a subsidiary of automotive group Geely.
The Chinese government actively supports these companies. Authorities aim to shape global leadership in low-altitude aviation. To support growth, China plans to introduce basic regulations by 2027. Officials also intend to establish more than 300 technical standards by 2030.
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— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) February 7, 2026AutoFlight launched in 2017 and initially focused on cargo transport. However, market demand has shifted rapidly toward passenger services. Passenger orders now account for about 70 percent of the company’s business. This change reflects growing interest in urban and regional air mobility.
AutoFlight expects to secure passenger certification within one to two years. Once approved, the company plans to begin accepting delivery orders. With CATL’s backing, AutoFlight aims to lower the cost of aerial travel. The company hopes to align pricing with premium ground-based ride-hailing services.
AutoFlight also targets international expansion. The company sees strong potential in regions with limited transport infrastructure. Key focus areas include Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. These markets offer opportunities for both passenger and logistics use.
Matrix highlights how China continues to advance across emerging technologies. Electric aviation now joins a broader push into next-generation transport. As certification and regulations progress, the eVTOL sector may soon move from testing to real-world deployment.
