AutoFlight’s uncrewed cargo aircraft receives production certificate
CarryAll production to begin
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has officially granted AutoFlight’s CarryAll unmanned cargo aircraft a Production Certificate (PC), marking a historic milestone as the world’s first production licence for a 2-ton electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. This certification paves the way for CarryAll to enter mass production.
The Production Certificate, awarded on December 24, 2024, is one of the key components of the aircraft airworthiness certification system. It affirms the manufacturer’s ability to consistently produce aircraft that adhere to approved design standards and meet stringent production quality requirements.
AutoFlight received its Type Certificate (TC) and type design approval in March 2024, after which the company began obtaining the Production Certification. The CAAC’s review team conducted in-depth assessments of the CarryAll model, including a review of quality system documentation, on-site inspections, and supplier audits.
AutoFlight also developed a comprehensive Production Quality Assurance Manual containing 39 procedural documents during the certification process. The CAAC’s team completed over 100 inspections and held 13 formal review meetings to ensure compliance with civil aviation regulations.
With this production licence now granted, AutoFlight is set to scale up mass production of CarryAll, begin individual aircraft certification (AC), and establish delivery and after-sales support systems to facilitate its commercial deployment.
AutoFlight has already secured order agreements for CarryAll with multiple logistics companies and low-altitude operators, advancing the adoption of eVTOL technology for low-altitude logistics. The company aims to revolutionise global air logistics by offering more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
CarryAll is a 2-ton maximum take-off weight aircraft featuring all-electric propulsion and autonomous flight capabilities. Its payload capacity is similar to that of a small helicopter. The aircraft offers key advantages over traditional helicopters, including quieter operation, reduced environmental impact, and significantly lower operating and maintenance costs.
Designed for low-altitude operations, CarryAll is intended for three primary markets: logistics transportation, emergency supply delivery, and rescue operations. Its customer base includes major logistics companies, general aviation operators, emergency service providers, and government agencies.
Founded in 2017, AutoFlight is one of the earliest companies globally to invest in eVTOL aircraft development. The company is committed to delivering safe, reliable air logistics and travel solutions. AutoFlight’s strategic vision of “from small to large, from cargo to passenger” has led to several significant achievements, including more than 10,000 transition flights and pioneering the application of eVTOL technology in island logistics, medical transportation, and commercial logistics.
AutoFlight focuses on advanced research and development, with all core modules developed in-house. Recent accomplishments include setting a world record for a single battery charge flight distance of 250.3 km, conducting the world’s first formation flight of three full-scale autonomous eVTOL aircraft, and completing the first inter-city eVTOL air-taxi flight from Shenzhen to Zhuhai in February 2024. In May 2024, the company completed the first long-distance (123 km) flight of a ton-class eVTOL in the Middle East. In August 2024, AutoFlight achieved a maiden flight over the Yangtze River, showcasing the potential of low-altitude travel and sightseeing.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China has also accepted the Type Certificate application for AutoFlight’s manned Prosperity version, with the certification process now underway.
Image: CarryAll is a 2-ton maximum take-off weight aircraft featuring all-electric propulsion and autonomous flight capabilities. Credit: AutoFlight
Last Updated on 1 day by Arnold Pinto
