This article summarizes reporting by AeroTime.

AutoFlight Completes Transition Flight for 5-Ton “Matrix” eVTOL

AutoFlight has successfully completed a full transition flight with its V5000 “Matrix” aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the development of heavy-lift electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology. According to reporting by AeroTime, the demonstration took place at the company’s test center in Kunshan, China, around February 5, 2026.

The event represents a major technical breakthrough for the sector. While several manufacturers have achieved transition flights with smaller air taxis, the Matrix is reportedly the world’s first 5-ton class eVTOL to perform the complex maneuver. The flight profile involved a vertical takeoff, a transition to wing-borne horizontal flight, and a return to vertical mode for landing.

Breaking the Weight Barrier

The transition phase, switching from rotor-supported lift to wing-supported lift, is widely regarded as the most critical aerodynamic challenge for eVTOL aircraft. Successfully executing this phase with a heavy airframe validates the scalability of AutoFlight’s electric-aviation propulsion technology.

According to manufacturer specifications cited in the report, the V5000 “Matrix” is significantly larger than the 4-to-5-seat air taxis currently being developed by Western competitors like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation. The aircraft features a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of approximately 5,700 kilograms (5.7 tons) and a wingspan of roughly 20 meters.

Technical Specifications

AutoFlight has designed the Matrix to serve both passenger and cargo-aircraft markets with a focus on regional connectivity rather than just intra-city hops. Key specifications include:

• Capacity: Configurable for up to 10 passengers or 1,500 kilograms (1.5 tons) of cargo.
• Propulsion: A “Lift-and-Cruise” configuration utilizing independent rotors for vertical flight and a pusher propeller for cruise.
• Range: Projected at 250 kilometers for the all-electric version, with a hybrid variant targeting 800 to 1,500 kilometers.

Strategic Positioning in the AAM Market

The successful flight of the Matrix distinguishes AutoFlight in a crowded market. While U.S. and European firms are largely focused on the 1.5-to-2-ton class of aircraft intended for urban air mobility, AutoFlight is pursuing a “heavy-lift” strategy.

Industry data indicates that the larger capacity of the Matrix could allow for different economic models. By carrying 10 passengers instead of four, the aircraft may offer a lower cost-per-seat-mile, potentially making regional air travel more accessible. Additionally, the cargo variant targets heavy logistics and offshore supply chains, sectors that smaller eVTOLs cannot efficiently serve.

AutoFlight, founded by Tian Yu, operates R&D centers in Shanghai, Kunshan, and Augsburg, Germany. The company previously secured type Certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for its smaller “CarryAll” cargo drone in 2024.

AirPro News Analysis

The Shift Toward Regional Mobility

AutoFlight’s achievement with the V5000 Matrix suggests a potential pivot in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector. Until now, the dominant narrative has focused on “air taxis” replacing cars for short city trips. However, the physics and economics of a 5-ton, 10-passenger aircraft point toward a “regional shuttle” model, replacing buses or trains for inter-city travel.

We observe that by targeting the heavy-lift segment, AutoFlight is effectively creating a new vehicle class that sits between a helicopter and a regional turboprop. If the company can certify this platform, it may bypass the intense competition for urban vertiport space that smaller competitors face, instead utilizing existing regional airports and industrial hubs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a transition flight?
A transition flight is when an eVTOL aircraft switches from vertical flight (using rotors like a helicopter) to horizontal flight (using wings like an airplane). It is considered the most technically difficult phase of flight.

How does the Matrix compare to other eVTOLs?
Most leading competitors, such as Joby or Archer, are building aircraft in the 2-ton class with 4-5 seats. The AutoFlight Matrix is a 5-ton class aircraft designed for 10 passengers or heavy cargo.

When did this flight occur?
The demonstration was reported to have occurred around February 5, 2026.

Sources: AeroTime, AutoFlight

This article is based on an official press release from RAVE Aerospace and additional industry research.

RAVE Aerospace Launches as Independent Entity Following Kingswood Acquisition

On February 5, 2026, the landscape of In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) shifted as Kingswood Capital Management, LP completed its Acquisitions of Safran Passenger Innovations (SPI). In a move that signals a return to agility and focused growth, the company has been officially rebranded as RAVE Aerospace. This transition marks the end of the unit’s tenure under the French aerospace giant Safran and its re-emergence as a standalone business headquartered in Brea, California.

According to the official press release, the new name pays homage to the company’s flagship product line, “RAVE” (Reliable, Affordable, and Very Easy), which has served as a disruptive force in the Market-Analysis for nearly two decades. With the deal now closed, RAVE Aerospace aims to leverage its newfound independence to challenge larger incumbents like Panasonic Avionics and Thales with greater speed and flexibility.

A Strategic Carve-Out

The acquisition, first agreed upon in December 2025, transfers ownership of the IFEC division to Kingswood Capital Management, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm known for optimizing middle-market businesses. While financial terms were not disclosed in the release, data from late 2025 indicates the division generates approximately $460 million in annual revenue and employs roughly 740 people.

Matt Smith, who continues as CEO of the newly independent company, emphasized that the leadership team remains in place. In a statement included in the press release, Smith highlighted the opportunities provided by the ownership change:

“We are proud to introduce our new company name… It reflects the strong heritage of our in-flight entertainment and connectivity platform, RAVE… Our next chapter with Kingswood Capital Management empowers us to reach new heights. We’ll be able to unlock opportunities for accelerated growth, expansion, and investment in cutting-edge technologies.”

, Matt Smith, CEO of RAVE Aerospace

Kingswood’s Managing Partner, Alex Wolf, noted that the firm views the IFEC sector as a “rapidly growing” market and intends to support the existing management team in scaling operations globally.

Technology and the “Seat-Centric” Legacy

The rebranding to RAVE Aerospace is more than a cosmetic change; it underscores the company’s commitment to its specific architectural philosophy. Since its origins as The IMS Company in 1996, and through its evolution into Zodiac Inflight Innovations and later Safran Passenger Innovations, the core engineering strategy has remained consistent: a “seat-centric” design.

Unlike traditional server-based systems where a central failure can take down an entire aircraft’s entertainment system, RAVE’s architecture places storage and processing power at every seat. This design eliminates single points of failure and has been a key selling point for Airlines seeking reliability.

Current Product Portfolio

According to company statements and product specifications, RAVE Aerospace is currently deploying several advanced technologies designed to modernize the cabin experience:

• RAVE Ultra Displays: 4K UHD seatback screens utilizing mini-LED technology for “true black” contrast, offering significant weight savings of up to 23% compared to previous generations.
• Power Delivery: Integrated 60W USB-C fast charging at every seat to support passenger laptops and tablets.
• RAVE OS: An open Software platform based on Android that allows airlines to run third-party applications and multitask, mirroring the experience of consumer tablets.
• Cloud Services: A “Cloud Edge” architecture that facilitates real-time content updates via satellite, cellular, or Wi-Fi, moving away from the industry standard of monthly manual updates.

AirPro News Analysis

The separation of RAVE Aerospace from Safran represents a broader trend in the aerospace sector where conglomerates are divesting non-core or specialized technology units to private equity firms. For Safran, this divestiture likely streamlines their focus on propulsion and defense. For RAVE Aerospace, the move to Kingswood could be transformative.

As a division within a massive multinational corporation, niche technology units often struggle to secure the R&D budget or decision-making speed required to compete with agile Startups. By becoming an independent entity backed by private equity, RAVE Aerospace is positioned to react faster to market shifts, specifically the “connected seatback” trend.

Industry reporting by Runway Girl Network suggests that RAVE Aerospace is betting that passengers will continue to demand high-quality seatback screens that integrate seamlessly with their personal devices and the aircraft’s internet connection. This contrasts with the “BYOD” (Bring Your Own Device) model that some low-cost carriers have adopted. RAVE’s strategy relies on the belief that as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity (like Starlink and OneWeb) becomes ubiquitous, the seatback screen will evolve into a powerful, connected portal rather than just a movie player.

Market Position and Future Outlook

RAVE Aerospace enters the market as a “neutral” player in the connectivity space. Unlike competitors that may bundle hardware with specific satellite networks, RAVE maintains an agnostic stance, integrating with various LEO, MEO, and GEO satellite providers. This flexibility allows airline customers to switch connectivity providers without ripping out their cabin hardware, a significant value proposition in a volatile satellite market.

With Kingswood Capital Management also recently launching the Kingswood Defense Group, there is speculation that RAVE Aerospace could eventually explore cross-sector applications for its ruggedized display and data handling technologies, though its primary focus remains Commercial-Aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will existing airline customers see a disruption in service?
A: No. The leadership team, including CEO Matt Smith, remains unchanged, and the company has stated that operations will continue without interruption. The “RAVE” product line remains the core offering.

Q: What happened to Safran Passenger Innovations?
A: Safran Passenger Innovations was acquired by Kingswood Capital Management on February 5, 2026, and immediately rebranded as RAVE Aerospace. It is no longer part of the Safran Group.

Q: Where is the new company located?
A: RAVE Aerospace continues to operate out of its existing headquarters in Brea, California.

Sources: RAVE Aerospace Press Release, Runway Girl Network

This article is based on an official press release from Sharks Sports & Entertainment.

Joby Aviation Partners with San Jose Sharks to Explore Downtown Vertiport

Sharks Sports & Entertainment (SSE), the parent company of the San Jose Sharks and the SAP Center, announced on February 6, 2026, a strategic partnerships with Joby Aviation. The agreement designates the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) manufacturer as a “Proud Partner” of the NHL franchise and the naming rights partner for the arena’s new “Reimagination Studio.”

Beyond traditional branding, the collaboration focuses on infrastructure development. According to the announcement, SSE and Joby Aviation will work exclusively to conduct a feasibility study for a potential vertiport, a takeoff and landing site for air taxis, located in the immediate vicinity of the SAP Center in San Jose. This initiative aligns with Joby’s targeted commercial launch timeline of 2026 and SSE’s broader efforts to modernize the fan experience.

The “Reimagination Studio” and Arena Renovations

The partnership is anchored in the ongoing transformation of the SAP Center, a project dubbed “The Teal Reimagination.” As part of the agreement, Joby Aviation secures naming rights to the Reimagination Studio, a physical showroom and digital experience center designed to preview the arena’s future.

The studio serves as the public face of a massive redevelopment effort. In late 2025, the City of San Jose and SSE agreed to a $425 million renovation plan intended to extend the Sharks’ lease through 2051. Visitors to the Joby-branded studio can view renderings and interactive displays showcasing upcoming amenities, such as new premium lounges and modernized concourses.

Jonathan Becher, President of Sharks Sports & Entertainment, emphasized that the renovation extends beyond the physical structure of the arena to the logistics of attending an event.

“With a project like the SAP Center reimagination, the tendency would be to think only of experiences within the arena. But we’re looking at every facet of the guest experience including how they get to and from the venue. Partnering with a world-class transportation company like Joby enables us to deliver on that reimagination promise.”

Jonathan Becher, President, Sharks Sports & Entertainment

Feasibility of Air Taxis in Downtown San Jose

The core operational component of the deal is the exploration of vertiport sites on SSE-controlled property. Joby Aviation aims to utilize electric air taxis to bypass Bay Area traffic, potentially reducing travel times significantly for fans attending games and concerts.

Stephan Baral, Head of Corporate Development at Joby Aviation, highlighted the time-saving potential of the service in the official release:

“Integrating electric air taxis into the development of the entertainment district near SAP Center could turn a 60-minute journey to a Sharks game, concert, or family show into a ten-minute trip.”

Stephan Baral, Head of Corporate Development, Joby Aviation

The proposed vertiport would likely utilize surface parking lots surrounding the arena. Joby has previously established partnerships with infrastructure companies like Metropolis Technologies to retrofit parking structures for flight operations, making the “ABC” lots near the SAP Center potential candidates for this development.

AirPro News Analysis: Regulatory and Operational Context

While the partnership signals a strong commitment to advanced air mobility, we note that significant regulatory hurdles remain before flights can begin. The SAP Center is located directly in the flight path of San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC). Consequently, any vertiport operations in this area would require strictly coordinated flight corridors and explicit approval from the FAA to operate within such controlled airspace.

Furthermore, downtown San Jose is subject to strict building height limits due to its proximity to the airport. This geographic constraint suggests that a ground-level or low-rise parking deck vertiport is more feasible at this location than the high-rise rooftop vertiports planned for cities like New York or Los Angeles. The “exploration” phase mentioned in the press release will likely focus heavily on navigating these specific airspace complexities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Reimagination Studio?

It is a showroom and digital experience center located at the SAP Center that previews the future renovations of the arena. Joby Aviation is the official naming partner of this space.

When will air taxi flights to the SAP Center begin?

Joby Aviation targets a commercial launch in 2026. However, the specific vertiport at the SAP Center is currently in the feasibility study phase, and no specific start date for flights to the arena has been confirmed.

What is the goal of the partnership?

The partnership aims to integrate aerial ridesharing into the fan experience, offering a faster alternative to ground traffic, while also branding Joby as a key partner in the modernization of the San Jose Sharks’ home arena.

Sources

• Sharks Sports & Entertainment