Chinese eVTOL developer AutoFlight broke ground on its new assembly line in Wuhan, China, on April 10, 2025.
The major centers of the eVTOL industry in China have so far been located in the coastal regions, particularly around the Pearl River Delta. However, this investment represents a significant move towards expanding what in China is commonly referred to as the “low altitude economy” to inland cities.
In this particular case, AutoFlight’s expansion project has received official backing from the Hanyang District of Wuhan.
In addition to assembling its eVTOL aircraft, AutoFlight will also use the new facility for ground testing, flight testing, sales, and service activities and as a delivery center. The startup also plans to include an exhibition center at the site in order to showcase its aircraft.
The partnership with the local government in Wuhan will also entail a demonstration flight program in the city, covering a broad range of applications, from aerial firefighting to emergency services and logistics. To this end, an “eVTOL corridor” is expected to be designated along the northern bank of the Yangtsé river.
The establishment of the Wuhan industrial facility follows a 157 million Yuan order (US$21.5 million / €19 million) announced in February 2025 by the Wuhan Hanyang Investment Development Group for 12 of Autoflight’s eVTOLs.
The partnership with the Wuhan Hanyang Investment Development Group is strategic for Autoflight, since it is expected to help the eVTOL developer expand in international markets, including in countries that have signed up for China’s “Belt and Road” initiative.
In 2024, AutoFlight received the Chinese type certificate for its V2000CG CarryAll, an unmanned cargo eVTOL capable of carrying a payload of up to 500 kg over distances of 250 km.
At the same time, AutoFlight is also working to certify its “Prosperity” model, a passenger eVTOL aircraft with capacity for four passengers and a pilot.
