In a hangar in Kunshan, more than 60 kilometers west of the port of Shanghai, a type of giant drone was preparing for a demonstration. It’s called Matrix: a five-tonne electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, considered the largest electric flying taxi to have flown so far.
The Matrix was developed by the Chinese company AutoFlight, founded in 2017. It can carry up to 10 passengers. It has a wingspan of 20 meters, is 17.1 meters long and 3.3 meters high, and can fly for an hour without recharging.
The idea is that it could eventually become a flying taxi, although the industry and experts believe that will take time.
Matrix eVTOL flight demonstration
On a recent cold afternoon, AutoFlight conducted a flight demonstration for The Associated Press at its low-altitude flight test facilities.
Crews moved the Matrix from the hangar to a helicopter pad. There, the eVTOL was prepared for takeoff: the propellers were turned on and, after a few minutes of checks to ensure that everything was working correctly, it began to rise. It was loud, but less than a helicopter. About 10 minutes later, after circling the helipad twice, the Matrix returned and landed safely.
When will a flying taxi become a reality? In a couple of years? Further?
“It’s a good question, but it’s very difficult for me to answer,” said Steven Yang, senior vice president of AutoFlight.
The company already has a two-ton passenger eVTOL version, but is awaiting the necessary certifications.
Yang noted that AutoFlight hopes to obtain a type certificate from regulators by 2027, which would mean authorities would confirm that the aircraft’s design meets safety standards. However, other regulatory approvals would still be required for an operator certificate to carry passengers.
China boosts low-altitude economy
Other companies in China are also developing eVTOL aircraft. One of them, in the province of Canton – EHANG – has already obtained certification from the authorities to offer commercial passenger services, although this has not yet happened. Beyond permits, flying taxis have not yet taken to the skies because they require support infrastructure.
Within the framework of what is known as the “low-altitude economy”, what is already a reality is the use of drones for food delivery, such as in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen.
Obstacles of the technological ecosystem
Gary Ng, senior economist at Natixis Corporate and Investment Banking, has followed developments in the industry. According to him, China must overcome several obstacles, including ensuring security, building the necessary infrastructure and resolving logistical issues such as route management.
“The whole ecosystem surrounding the technology itself is also still underdeveloped at the moment,” he said. “I would say it takes at least three more years to see something more viable.”
When watching the Matrix demonstration, it seems possible to imagine these aircraft taking to the skies. But can we really foresee a future with flying electric aircraft?
“We really believe it will happen,” Yang said. “But this is not (only) the work of AutoFlight, it is that of the entire ecosystem,” he added.
FEW (APe-flight-journal)
