AutoFlight and AAAG Conduct Central Asia’s First Ton-Class eVTOL Flight

On May 19, 2026, Chinese eVTOL developer AutoFlight and Kazakhstan-based Alatau Advance Air Group (AAAG) successfully executed the first ton-class electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) flight demonstration in Central Asia. The historic flight took place in Alatau City, a new smart city development near Almaty, Kazakhstan.

According to an official statement from battery manufacturer and AutoFlight strategic investor CATL, the event also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between AutoFlight and AAAG. The agreement secures an additional 50 large eVTOL aircraft to establish a regional low-altitude transportation network.

This milestone highlights Kazakhstan’s aggressive push into the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, backed by significant private Investments and new government legislation aimed at fostering a “Low Altitude Economy” in the region.

The Historic Flight Demonstration in Alatau City

Aircraft Specifications and Safety

The demonstration featured the AutoFlight PROSPERITY, also known as the V2000EM model. Industry research notes that this 100% electric air taxi is designed to carry one pilot and five passengers. During the maiden Central Asian flight, the aircraft was operated without passengers to comply with strict safety protocols.

According to provided technical specifications, the V2000EM boasts a top speed of 200 to 250 km/h and a range of up to 200 kilometers. Powered by 13 electric motors, it operates at a noise level of approximately 65 decibels, substantially quieter than a traditional helicopter’s 90 decibels, while producing zero local carbon emissions.

Expanding the Fleet and Drones Logistics

Beyond the passenger-focused PROSPERITY model, AutoFlight showcased its larger 5-ton V5000 Matrix, an eVTOL engineered for long-range transport and heavy cargo payloads up to 1,500 kilograms. The newly signed MOU for 50 aircraft includes a mix of both the V2000 and V5000 models, building upon an existing, fully paid order from AAAG.

The event also highlighted uncrewed drone logistics. Demonstrations included automated parcel locker deliveries by Keeta Drone, a subsidiary of China’s Meituan, and direct-to-door cable delivery mechanisms from California-based A2Z Drone Delivery.

Strategic Partnerships Driving Central Asia’s UAM Ecosystem

Financial Backing and Infrastructure

The development of Kazakhstan’s UAM network is heavily supported by private enterprise. AAAG, founded in March 2025 and registered at the Astana International Financial Centre, is spearheading the initiative. The project is backed by Alatau City Bank, with total investments in the local UAM ecosystem estimated by industry reports at $300 million.

Infrastructure development is already underway. According to industry reports, AAAG partnered with Italian operator UrbanV in December 2025 to design a national vertiport network. The first of these facilities is currently under construction at the demonstration site, which is slated to become the “UAM Center Eurasia.” Furthermore, the airspace will be managed by the UATM digital navigation platform, developed jointly by the Korea Airports Corporation and the Shenzhen Urban Transportation Planning Center.

The Role of CATL

Battery performance remains a critical factor in eVTOL viability, particularly concerning energy density and turnaround time. CATL, the world’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer, became a strategic investor in AutoFlight in August 2024, providing a significant competitive advantage.

In their official release, CATL emphasized their dedication to the project, stating they remain committed to supporting partners in building a smart, zero-carbon future for global aerial mobility.

Regulatory Support and the “Low-Altitude Economy”

Government Legislation

The rapid progress in Alatau City is underpinned by recent legislative action. On May 8, 2026, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a Constitutional Law establishing a special legal regime for Alatau City, specifically designed to attract high-tech investments.

Vyacheslav Kim, a shareholder of Alatau City Bank, highlighted the importance of this government backing during the event.

“The President’s support has enabled us to establish UAM Center Eurasia and attract some of the world’s leading technology partners to Kazakhstan,” Kim stated.

AirPro News analysis

We observe that Kazakhstan is strategically positioning itself as a primary gateway for the “low-altitude economy” along the digital Silk Road. By designing Alatau City, a 340-square-mile smart city, from scratch, urban planners can integrate air mobility directly into the city’s master plan without the friction of retrofitting legacy infrastructure.

Furthermore, AAAG’s approach indicates a multi-vendor strategy rather than reliance on a single manufacturer. Their November 2025 Letter of Intent with US-based Joby Aviation for up to $250 million in aircraft and services suggests a robust, diversified UAM ecosystem. If Morgan Stanley’s projections of a $1 to $1.5 trillion global UAM market by 2040 hold true, early adopters like Kazakhstan could see significant economic and logistical benefits. For instance, regional travel times could be drastically reduced, with estimates suggesting a trip from Almaty Airport to the Medeu high-mountain resort could take just 10 to 12 minutes by air taxi.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an eVTOL?
eVTOL stands for electric vertical takeoff and landing. These aircraft use electric power to hover, take off, and land vertically, much like a Helicopters, but are generally quieter and produce zero local emissions.

Who are the main partners in the Kazakhstan eVTOL project?
The primary partners include Chinese eVTOL developer AutoFlight, Kazakhstan-based Alatau Advance Air Group (AAAG), and battery manufacturer CATL.

Where was the first Central Asian eVTOL flight held?
The demonstration flight took place on May 19, 2026, in Alatau City, a new smart city development near Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Sources: CATL, AutoFlight and AAAG Research Report