The first large - capacity passenger eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take - Off and Landing) product, the AE200 - 100, developed by Aurora Aerospace, has just made its way off the assembly line in Chengdu. This achievement represents a significant new milestone in China's domestic research and development efforts for large - capacity passenger eVTOLs. Moreover, it indicates that Aurora Aerospace has entered the final "sprint" phase (the term "sprint" is retained here as it is a well - established specialized term in this industry context; however, if a more literal translation is desired, it could be replaced with "final push") for obtaining airworthiness certification and has reached the pre - production stage for mass - produced models.
During the roll - off ceremony, it was publicly announced that the AE200 has already secured commercial orders for one thousand units. The production capacity for the first year will be gradually released in an orderly fashion. The AE200 - 100 boasts a range of 200 kilometers, enabling it to meet the demands of various operational scenarios.
Following this, Aurora Aerospace will press ahead with the airworthiness certification process and carry out Phase IV flight tests, with the goal of achieving early commercial operation. The first phase of its global headquarters base in the Chengdu High - Tech Zone is anticipated to start production in 2026. Once operational, this base will significantly enhance the company's production capacity and efficiency.