This month, a Chinese mainland–developed 2-tonne electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft completed a 118-kilometer cross-city cargo flight in Guizhou Province in the southwest of the Chinese mainland. Operated by Guiyang Low-Altitude Industry Development Company, the low-altitude test mission carried emergency medicines and local specialty agricultural products between a rural county and the provincial capital, Guiyang.
In 40 minutes, the fully electric eVTOL demonstrated its ability to take off and land vertically like a helicopter while producing less noise. Designed for short- to medium-range missions—ranging from daily commuting to logistics and emergency rescue—the aircraft offers a sustainable alternative to traditional road or rotorcraft transport.
Key highlights of the test flight:
- Distance: 118 km between the county airstrip and Guiyang
- Duration: 40 minutes of continuous flight
- Cargo: emergency medicines and specialty agricultural products
- Zero emissions: fully powered by electricity
The successful demonstration marks a new step toward establishing regular cargo air routes across Guizhou's mountainous terrain. By integrating eVTOLs into the region's transport network, authorities aim to build a three-dimensional system that can:
- Accelerate medical supply delivery in remote areas
- Boost local economies by connecting producers to urban markets
- Reduce noise and emissions compared with helicopters
As eVTOL technology continues to mature globally, this milestone showcases how innovation in the Chinese mainland's aviation sector could reshape logistics, emergency response and regional connectivity—especially in challenging landscapes. With further certification and scaling, similar routes could emerge in other mountainous regions around the world, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable air mobility.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
