China’s AutoFlight achieves a world-first with certified heavy-lift eVTOL drone, paving the way for large-scale low-altitude operations.
Historic Delivery of Certified Heavy-Lift eVTOL
Shanghai-based advanced air mobility company AutoFlight has made aviation history by delivering the world’s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft with a maximum take-off weight exceeding one ton.
The aircraft, named CarryAll, was officially delivered to Heli Chuangxing Intelligent on August 5, 2025. This milestone represents a major leap forward for commercial eVTOL operations and practical, low-altitude drone applications in China.
Achieving All Three Major Airworthiness Certifications
The CarryAll recently completed its final step in the airworthiness process on July 21, when it received an Airworthiness Certificate (AC) from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
This approval follows the aircraft’s earlier Type Certificate (TC), which certifies the aircraft’s design, and the Production Certificate (PC), which verifies manufacturing standards. Together, these three certifications mark the CarryAll as the first eVTOL aircraft of its size to meet all of China’s civil aviation safety and regulatory requirements.
This official recognition enables large-scale, legal commercial drone flights carrying heavy payloads—a development with wide-ranging implications for logistics, emergency services, and more.
Performance and Use Cases
Designed for high-demand transport tasks, the CarryAll has a maximum take-off weight of two tons and a payload capacity of 400 kilograms. It combines vertical take-off and landing with efficient fixed-wing cruising, reaching speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour.
Its range of 200 kilometers makes it ideal for cargo logistics, emergency deliveries, and disaster response missions.
To earn certification, the CarryAll completed over 40,000 kilometers of test flights across China, the UAE, and Japan. These tests validated the aircraft’s performance across a variety of terrain and weather conditions.
Strategic Partnership and What’s Next
AutoFlight’s partnership with Heli Chuangxing will integrate the CarryAll into a broader low-altitude transport network in China.
Looking ahead, AutoFlight is also developing Prosperity, a five-seat manned eVTOL aircraft. That platform is currently advancing through its own certification process.
For more information about AutoFlight and the CarryAll, visit their website.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.
