AutoFlight unveils world’s largest flying car as China races to lead low-altitude economy

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 2 min read 100% complete by Ann CaoFebruary 8, 2026 at 07:30 AM

AI Summary

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AutoFlight, a Chinese aviation startup backed by CATL, unveiled Matrix, a five-tonne electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, claiming it to be the world's largest. The unveiling took place at a testing facility in Kunshan, near Shanghai. Matrix comes in passenger and cargo variants, with the passenger version capable of carrying 10 people. AutoFlight is one of several Chinese companies, including Ehang and Xpeng, competing in the eVTOL market as China aims to lead the low-altitude economy. The Chinese government is actively developing standards for the industry, with plans to establish basic standards by 2027 and comprehensive standards by 2030, covering aircraft, infrastructure, air traffic management, safety, and applications.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Geely 50% Aridge 50% Aerofugia 50% Xie Jia 50% Kunshan 50% Ehang 60% Shanghai ×260% Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) 70% AutoFlight ×690% China ×290%

Keywords

flying car 100% evtol 90% low-altitude economy 80% autoflight 70% passenger transport 60% china 50% air traffic management 50% electric vehicle 50% logistics 40% aircraft 40%