Chinese aviation technology company AutoFlight has successfully demonstrated Matrix, the world’s first five-ton class electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The achievement marks a significant milestone in the eVTOL industry, challenging conventional assumptions about the capabilities and economic viability of electric air mobility.
Most eVTOL aircraft currently in development carry four to six passengers and target short urban trips. Matrix breaks this mold with capacity for up to 10 passengers in its standard configuration, or six passengers in a VIP layout. The aircraft also offers a cargo variant capable of carrying 1,500 kilograms.
By increasing scale, AutoFlight aims to transform the economics of electric aviation. Higher passenger counts and cargo capacity enable lower per-seat and per-kilogram transportation costs, potentially making electric flight economically viable for routes currently served by small turboprops and trucks.
The company positions Matrix as an industry disruptor that will challenge the perception that eVTOL equals short-haul and low-load operations. Through economies of scale, the aircraft could reshape route economics across applications from urban commuting to intercity feeder services.
Matrix represents a continuation of AutoFlight’s product strategy, following the company’s Great White Shark for industrial applications, CarryAll for autonomous logistics, and Prosperity for urban air mobility. This portfolio approach addresses different market segments with appropriate aircraft sizing and capabilities.
