Aerofugia, the low-altitude general aviation company established by Geely Holding Group has announced that its prototype AE200-100 six-seater eVTOL has begun production.
“The start of production for the prototype vehicle marks a significant milestone in the development of large-scale passenger eVTOL vehicles and also signifies that the AE-200-100 has entered the final stages for its airworthiness certification, pre-production, and ultimate mass-production,” said the company in a press release. “The AE200-100 is the first independently developed product from Aerofugia. The prototype variant unveiled debuts an innovative “eight-rotor, four-tilted-wing” configuration. As a six-seat all-electric piloted manned eVTOL aircraft, AE200 offers multiple advantages including safety, economy, comfort, and environmental protection…. After completing the necessary airworthiness certification and type certification, the production variant of the AE200 will begin widespread commercialization.”
Aerofugia reports it has already secured over 1,000 commercial orders for the AE200, with first-year production capacity fully booked amid strong market demand. Orders have come from major metropolitan regions in China and abroad including Sichuan Airlines, Hualong Airlines, Shenzhen City Transportation Low-Altitude Operational Center, Thailand’s SIT, etc.
“With a range of 200 km, the AE200 is able to be utilized in areas such as urban air mobility, low-altitude tourism, and emergency rescue,” said the company. “In addition, the electric drive system of the AE200 significantly reduces operating costs compared to conventional helicopters. The AE200 has already successfully completed its all-tilt transition flight test, becoming the second in the world and the first manned eVTOL in China to complete this project.”
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