On Wednesday 5 February 2026, in Suzhou, China, AutoFlight successfully completed a demonstration that will go down in the history of electric aviation. The Chinese manufacturer presented and flew its V5000 Matrix, a 5-tonne class eVTOL, which is positioned as the largest and most ambitious electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft ever developed.
A complete and successful transition flight
That’s the heart of the story: the V5000 Matrix completed a full transition flight, including vertical take-off, fixed cruise and vertical landing, from specially designed test pads on the ground. In addition to its simple journey, this aerial vehicle flew in parallel with the CarryAll Cargo, another of the manufacturer’s 2-tonne eVTOLs, a fact that proves that these aircraft can operate with other electric aircraft on simultaneous missions.
The flight was not only covered by the local and specialist media, but also recorded on video. The images show a stable, silent and responsive aircraft. The test validated the aerodynamic and distributed propulsion technologies, confirming that the eVTOL can now compete with conventional light aircraft on longer, heavier missions.
Technical features that push back the boundaries
The V5000 Matrix boasts impressive technical specifications. With a wingspan of 20 metres, a length of 17.1 metres and a height of 3.3 metres, it is the largest eVTOL in operation today. Its maximum take-off weight is 5,700 kg, and its 13.9 m³ cabin can accommodate up to ten VIP passengers, as well as carrying up to 1,500 kg of freight.
To get this machine off the ground and into the air, it is powered by 20 fifth-generation lift engines. Range, a key criterion in electromobility, varies from 250 km in pure electric mode to 1,500 km in hybrid mode, offering a very broad spectrum of uses, from urban transport to intercity freight.
The aircraft will be available in two versions: a passenger version with business seats, washbasins and ambient lighting, and a cargo version with a front door adapted for cargo.
Planned roll-out and target markets
Although the V5000 Matrix made its maiden flight on 5 February 2026, it remains a prototype for the time being, and its commercial deployment will depend on further certification. AutoFlight has already committed its lighter aircraft, such as the CarryAll Cargo, to successful certification processes with China’s civil aviation authority.
According to the Chinese eVTOL market, estimated at 9.5 billion yuan in 2026, the first commercial Matrix fleets could appear by 2027-2028, mainly for regional transport, heavy freight and emergency missions, before possible international deployment. The passenger version could also be of interest to the VIP/business segment, offering unprecedented comfort and autonomy.
AutoFlight: the Chinese manufacturer shaking things up
Founded by Tian Yu, AutoFlight has rapidly established itself as a key player in the Chinese eVTOL landscape. The company stands out for its bold vision: not to be satisfied with urban « air taxis » for a few passengers, but to aim for heavy-duty, interurban electric mobility, with unrivalled charging and distance capacities.
CEO and founder Tian Yu sums up this ambition: « Matrix is not only a rising star in the aviation industry, but also an ambitious disruptor of the sector. It will eliminate the perception that eVTOL = short-haul and low-load. »
With the V5000 Matrix, AutoFlight is offering more than just an eVTOL: the company is bringing to market a multi-purpose aerial vehicle capable of carrying heavy loads and passengers over long distances, while remaining 100% electric or hybrid. A prototype that, according to Tian Yu, could well revolutionise the global eVTOL industry.
