AutoFlight to bring eVTOL airtaxis to Europe
AutoFlight, a Chinese eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) company, is set to accelerate its global expansion by launching in Europe.
Led by former Airbus manager Mark R. Henning, the Europe team is establishing itself in Augsburg, Germany. Its first task will be to achieve European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for AutoFlight’s airtaxi ‘Prosperity I’, an eVTOL aircraft with a range of around 250km.
Prosperity I sets up to three passengers in addition to the pilot and the certification programme will begin this year, with completion expected by 2025. Prosperity I is the company’s first manned aircraft, having previously focused on unmanned cargo drones.
AutoFlight said that safety is its ‘top commitment’, and will be working closely with European authorities to ensure its airtaxi is as safe as a commercial airliner.
“We are bringing aircraft construction back to Augsburg, creating a high-tech location and jobs as we build drones and create a completely new market segment for airtaxis,” said Henning, AutoFlight Europe’s managing director.
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