Aerofugia Wins CCAR-135 Air Operator Certificate
The certificate enables the company to launch trial flights and gather data, advancing its transition from prototype to commercial eVTOL operations.
Aerofugia has reached significant milestones in both airworthiness and operational certification for its AE200 eVTOL aircraft, marking a step forward for the commercialization of low-altitude flight in China.
At the 3rd Civil Aviation Science & Technology Innovation Achievements Exhibition in Beijing, the company announced progress on two fronts: its ongoing Type Certificate (TC) and Production Certificate (PC) applications with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), and the recent issuance of a CCAR-135 Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for commercial flight operations.
The CCAR-135 certificate, granted by the CAAC Southwest Regional Administration on May 20, makes Aerofugia the first eVTOL manufacturer in China authorized to operate short-distance passenger flights with 1–9 seat aircraft.
According to the company, the certification paves the way for trial operations and data collection in urban air mobility scenarios, helping to bridge the gap between prototype development and full-scale commercial deployment.
Alongside operational progress, Aerofugia continues to lead in eVTOL airworthiness certification. In November 2022, its AE200 became the first crewed eVTOL in China to receive a TC acceptance notice from the CAAC.
Since then, the company has made further advances under the CAAC Southwest Regional Administration’s guidance, including full approval of the aircraft’s Certification Plan and ongoing compliance verification.
On May 8, 2025, Aerofugia’s application for a Production Certificate for the AE200-100 was officially accepted.
This initiates the mass-production review process and — once granted — will authorize the company to manufacture aircraft in accordance with approved designs and quality systems.
Aerofugia’s certification milestones were a central focus of its participation in the Civil Aviation Technology Innovation Exhibition, which is running from May 26 to 28 in Beijing.
The event, themed “Innovation Leads the Way, Intelligence Connects the World,” showcased advancements across seven specialized zones, including airworthiness achievements and the low-altitude economy.
Over 100 civil aviation organizations participated.
Looking forward, Aerofugia plans to implement a phased deployment strategy —
Use helicopters to validate low-altitude operations and gather flight data
Integrate the AE200 into existing systems and confirm reliability
Scale operations with the AE200 to support urban air mobility and tourism
With support from Chengdu, the company has already begun establishing and testing urban low-altitude routes using traditional helicopters, laying the groundwork for future eVTOL operations.
In April, Aerofugia trialed the ‘Chengdu–Leshan’ route within the Bashu Low-Altitude Cultural Tourism Corridor, providing point-to-point travel and aerial views of the Leshan Giant Buddha.
Aerofugia has also partnered with Sichuan Airlines Group to explore 'civil aviation + low-altitude mobility' intermodal services, aiming to set a national benchmark for eVTOL applications.
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The text highlights Aerofugia's significant advancements in the eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) sector, particularly in China. The company has achieved critical certifications, including the CCAR-135 Air Operator Certificate, making it the first eVTOL manufacturer authorized for short-distance passenger flights. This progress is crucial for trial operations and data collection, bridging the gap between prototype development and commercial deployment. Aerofugia's phased deployment strategy, which includes integrating their AE200 aircraft into existing systems and establishing urban low-altitude routes, positions them as a leader in urban air mobility. Their collaboration with Sichuan Airlines Group further emphasizes their commitment to innovative intermodal services in civil aviation. Overall, Aerofugia is paving the way for the future of urban air travel in China.