Yufeng Future Flight Technology

Yufeng Future Flight Technology (Vertaxi), founded in April 2021, is a China-based enterprise focused on the development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company was established by Xie Ling, who serves as CEO, and Dr. Liu Shiyi, the Chief Technology Officer. The founding team reportedly includes members from the development team of China's Comac C919 airliner, bringing significant aerospace experience. Vertaxi leverages the expertise of its drone manufacturing subsidiary, FCourier Aviation, which has a background in industrial-grade drones.

The company is developing the Matrix 1 (M1), a fully electric, autonomous aircraft designed for both cargo and passenger transport. The business strategy prioritizes cargo operations in rural areas before expanding to urban air mobility (UAM) and passenger services. This phased approach aims to refine the technology and operations before entering the more complex passenger market. Vertaxi generates revenue through the sale of its aircraft, having already secured significant procurement agreements. In July 2024, the company signed a deal worth approximately $36 million with a cultural tourism technology firm for its M1 aircraft to be used in low-altitude tourism, cargo, and emergency rescue. Another major agreement includes an order for 100 M1 units from AVIC International Leasing, valued at over $140 million.

The M1 aircraft is a 2.5-ton eVTOL with a composite wing structure and a wingspan of 15 meters. It features 20 electric rotors—16 for vertical lift and four for forward propulsion—and is constructed from carbon fiber composite materials. The aircraft is designed to carry five passengers or a maximum payload of 500 kg, with a cruise speed of 200 km/h and a range of 250 km. A key feature is its autonomous flight capability, which is intended to reduce operational costs and risks. The company emphasizes a domestically produced supply chain for components, including a triple-redundant flight control system and a co-developed electric powertrain. The maiden flight of the M1 prototype occurred in October 2023, and the company is targeting certification for cargo operations in 2025 and passenger use by 2027.

Keywords: eVTOL, urban air mobility, electric aircraft, autonomous flight, air taxi, cargo drone, advanced air mobility, Vertaxi, Yufeng Future, Matrix 1, M1 eVTOL, Xie Ling, electric propulsion, passenger drone, low-altitude economy, Chinese aviation, aerospace manufacturing, composite aircraft, vertical takeoff and landing, autonomous aerial vehicle