AutoFlight Matrix becomes world’s largest flying car after successful tests

China has just sent a clear signal about where it thinks air travel will go next. I contacted a Shanghai based airline AutoFlight unveils the Matrix, It is now known as the largest flying car in the world. This is not a concept image or a brief hover test. The Matrix process has already been completed successfully Flight tests near Shanghai, Bringing real scale and real ambition to an industry still dominated by small prototypes.

The launch also highlights China’s push to control what it calls the low-altitude economy. This sector focuses on short-haul flights using electric aircraft to transport people and goods over congested roads.

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The world’s first flying car is ready for take-off

Matrix during flight testing near Shanghai, where the aircraft demonstrated real-world performance on a scale rarely seen in flying car development. (automatic flight)

The Matrix becomes the world’s largest flying car

The Matrix immediately stands out once you look at the specifications. The plane weighs about 11,000 pounds. It is about 56 feet long, about 11 feet high and has a wingspan of about 66 feet. This makes it much larger than most flying cars currently in development. Most electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft today focus on compact designs. Many seat four to six passengers and prioritize lightweight tires. Matrix takes a different approach. Its size allows it to operate more like a real airplane than a personal air vehicle.

Matrix comes in two versions. One supports passenger travel. The other focuses on transporting heavy goods. The passenger model can carry up to 10 people, which is well above the current industry standard. This added ability is important. It improves efficiency, lowers cost per passenger and makes business operations more realistic.

Why is battery technology driving the progress of flying cars?

Size alone does not make the array possible, it is power that makes it possible. AutoFlight receives support from CATL, the world’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer. CATL owns a significant stake in and supports the company Battery research and development.

Battery performance affects almost every part of an electric journey. It shapes the range, safety margins and payload capacity. More powerful batteries allow planes to fly farther while carrying more weight. In flying cars, this difference often separates experimental designs from aircraft ready for real-world service.

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The Matrix’s size sets it apart, with its wide wingspan and passenger capacity pushing electric air travel beyond the small initial designs. (automatic flight)

China sets rules for economy at low altitudes

The Matrix did not appear by chance. China is actively building a regulatory framework for the economy of low-altitude areas. This includes aircraft design standards, safety systems, air traffic control and supporting infrastructure. Officials plan to introduce ground rules by 2027, with more than 300 detailed standards expected to be issued by 2030. These rules aim to prepare cities for flying cars, cargo planes and air taxi services. While many countries are still discussing how electric air travel will work, China is already laying the groundwork.

Cargo flights paved the way for passenger approval

Before shifting focus to passengers, AutoFlight established itself in the cargo space. Its predecessor, the CarryAll, received full certification in China for design, production and airworthiness. It also completed a real-life cargo trip between two cities, covering nearly 100 miles in approximately one hour. That flight demonstrated practical use outside of test environments. It also helped build trust with regulators, which play a crucial role in approving passenger aircraft. Today, passenger travel is the company’s main focus. About 70 percent of AutoFlight’s total orders involve passenger aircraft. The certification process is still ongoing, but company leaders expect approval within a year or two. Orders are already being accepted for future delivery.

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Flying cars like the Matrix point to a future where short-distance air travel can ease congestion and reshape how cities move people and goods. (automatic flight)

How does the Matrix compare to smaller flying cars like the Pivotal

The Matrix represents one aspect of the flying car’s future. Small aircraft such as Axial plane carwhich we covered previously, focuses on personal aviation and short-haul travel. These designs emphasize simplicity, individual control, and small size. The Matrix takes the opposite approach. It focuses on combined passenger travel and large-scale heavy goods transportation. Together, these models show how the flying car market is divided into two paths. The first is personal air mobility. The other is commercial electric aviation. Both routes are important, but they solve very different transportation problems.

When passenger flying car flights could begin in China

Industry experts believe that 2026 will be a pivotal year for flying cars in China. Several companies are planning to start deliveries, and China could see its first paid passenger flights. New infrastructure, such as landing pads and charging stations, will support this growth. AutoFlight is also looking beyond China. Demand is strong in areas with limited transportation networks. Island nations, mountainous regions and remote areas stand out. The company sees Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East as key markets.

What does this mean for you?

Flying cars still look futuristic, but they’re getting closer to everyday use. Early flights are likely to focus on specific routes, cargo deliveries, emergency services and premium passenger travel. Over time, costs may decline to levels similar to sophisticated transportation services on the ground. Even if you don’t board one of these planes soon, this technology will shape logistics, emergency response, and how cities plan transportation. It also shows how quickly electric aviation can advance when regulation, manufacturing and demand align.

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Key takeaways for Kurt

The Matrix is ​​more than just a big flying machine. It shows how quickly ideas for flying cars can turn into aircraft that can actually be adopted and used. China is moving from concepts to real operations step by step. Widespread use will take some time, but the trend is clear. Electric flight is becoming practical, scalable, and difficult to ignore.

What would need to happen for you to feel comfortable riding in a flying car, and would you try that if one were launched in your city? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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