Aviation News – Chinese eVTOL developer AutoFlight has revealed its new Matrix air taxi, a five-ton electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, following a successful public full transition flight on February 5, 2026, marking what the company calls a world first in heavy-class urban air mobility.
The Matrix is designed to carry up to 10 passengers and represents AutoFlight’s latest step in scaling electric air mobility beyond small two- to four-seat prototypes. Details of the aircraft emerged after the company completed the demonstration flight, showing the vehicle’s ability to transition smoothly between vertical lift and forward wing-borne flight. The unveiling highlights China’s growing presence in the global advanced air mobility race and AutoFlight’s push to develop higher-capacity aircraft for commercial transport.
Unlike lighter air taxis, the five-ton Matrix combines multiple electric rotors for vertical take-off with fixed wings for efficient cruise flight, allowing it to operate from compact urban vertiports while covering longer regional routes. The larger cabin accommodates up to 10 passengers and includes amenities such as washbasins and lavatories, positioning the aircraft closer to a short-haul regional aircraft in comfort and mission profile rather than a simple city shuttle.
