Hanneke Weitering is a writer and editor with AIN covering advanced air mobility and new flight technologies. She became an aviation journalist and joined the AIN team in the summer of 2022 after reporting on spaceflight and astronomy for six years at Space.com. After earning a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in science, health, and environmental reporting at New York University&#039;s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. She is now based in Seattle near Boeing Field and spends her free time exploring nature in the Pacific Northwest.

Science & Technology Editor

Hanneke Weitering

Chinese eVTOL start-up AutoFlight delivered its first CaryAll autonomous cargo drone to Heli Chuangxing Intelligent last week after receiving airworthiness certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on July 21.&nbsp;According to the Shanghai-based company, the CarryAll is now the first example of an eVTOL aircraft exceeding a one-ton maximum takeoff weight to achieve CAAC airworthiness certification.
AutoFlight obtained a type certificate for the CarryAll aircraft in March 2024, and in December the CAAC granted it the production license needed to begin manufacturing the type. It broke ground for the construction of its eVTOL aircraft factory in Wuhan on April 10.
“This achievement establishes the CarryAll as the world’s first eVTOL aircraft above one-ton capacity designed, manufactured, and delivered in strict accordance with civil aviation airworthiness procedures, providing the fundamental qualifications for official commercial operations,” the company said in a statement.
The CarryAll aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 2,000 kilograms (4,400 pounds) and can carry up to 400 kilograms (880 pounds) of payload. It has a maximum range of 250 kilometers (135 nm) and a cruise speed of 200 kph (108 knots).&nbsp;
AutoFlight is offering the CarryAll for low-altitude logistics, emergency supply deliveries, and disaster response missions. Heli Chuangxing Intelligent, a pioneer of <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-02-20/chinas-low-altitude-economy-path-evtol-air-taxi-services">China’s low-altitude economy</a>, will use the freighters for logistics operations.&nbsp;
According to the company, the CarryAll flew more than 40,000 kilometers in flight testing between development and certification efforts. The aircraft has conducted demonstration flights in China, the UAE, and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/video/japan-new-evtol-aircraft-are-seen-way-improve-public-transportation">Japan</a>.&nbsp;
In addition to the CarryAll freighter, AutoFlight is developing a piloted, four-passenger eVTOL air taxi called <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-04-30/autoflight-begins-chinese-certification-prosperity-evtol">Prosperity</a> that it aims to have certified and in commercial service by 2026.

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China's AutoFlight Delivers First CarryAll eVTOL Freighter

Civil Aviation Administration of China granted an airworthiness certificate on July 21

Chinese eVTOL manufacturer AutoFlight delivered its first CarryAll autonomous cargo drone after achieving CAAC airworthiness certification on July 21.

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Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

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